Stand Firm: He is Who He Says He Is! YAHWEH
YAHWEH: The Unchanging God in an Ever-Changing World
In the whirlwind of modern life, where everything seems to shift constantly—our society, politics, and values—it can feel like there is no solid ground to stand on. Yet, for those who trust in God, there is a rock, an anchor, a firm foundation that never changes. No matter what the world throws at us, God remains the same—yesterday, today, and forever. He is Yahweh, the unchanging God.
Yahweh is more than just a name. It is the Hebrew name for God, often translated as "Jehovah" or simply "I AM." As Christians, we may be more familiar with calling God "Lord" or "God," but when we look deeper into the Old Testament and explore the rich, nuanced meaning of Yahweh, we begin to understand God in a way we might never have realized. Yahweh is not just a title—it is a revelation of God’s nature. His name speaks of His eternal presence, His sovereignty, and His deep desire for relationship with us.
What Does Yahweh Mean?
To understand the depth of this name, we look back to Exodus 3, where Moses encounters the burning bush. As Moses tends his father-in-law's sheep near Mount Sinai, he notices a bush on fire—but it's not consumed by the flames. Approaching this extraordinary sight, Moses hears the voice of God calling him to liberate the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. Overwhelmed and uncertain, Moses asks God, "Who should I say has sent me?" God’s response is profound: "I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you" (Exodus 3:14).
In this moment, God reveals His eternal and unchanging nature through the name Yahweh. "I AM WHO I AM" may sound abstract, but it’s full of meaning. It speaks of God’s reliability, His ever-present help, and His intimate relationship with His people. Yahweh is not just a distant, cosmic deity. He is the God who is actively present in the lives of His people.
Yahweh: The God Who Is Present
For the Hebrew slaves in Egypt, life was harsh and unpredictable. They faced daily brutality, uncertain if they would survive or when their torment would end. They didn’t just need to know that God existed; they needed to know He was with them in their suffering. Yahweh’s name wasn’t just a reminder of His existence—it was a declaration of His presence.
Yahweh is not just the God of the past or the future; He is the God of the here and now. His name, often translated as "I AM" or "I WILL BE," assures us of His constant presence in every moment of our lives. In an ever-changing world, He remains the same. He is present in your pain and your joy, in your struggles and your triumphs. He is the God who walks with you through every part of your journey.
Jesus: The Great "I AM"
This understanding of Yahweh as the eternal, unchanging God doesn’t just stop in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we see Jesus making the bold claim to be Yahweh Himself. In John 8:58, during a heated discussion with the religious leaders, Jesus declares, "Before Abraham was born, I AM." This wasn’t just a historical statement—it was a direct claim to divinity, echoing the very words God spoke to Moses. Jesus was identifying Himself as Yahweh, the eternal God.
Later, in John 18, when Jesus is about to be arrested, He asks the soldiers, "Who are you looking for?" They reply, "Jesus of Nazareth." His response is simple yet powerful: "I AM He." In that moment, the soldiers fall to the ground, overwhelmed by the sheer authority of His words. The same voice that spoke to Moses from the burning bush was now standing before them. Jesus was making it clear—He is the Great I AM.
Jesus didn’t just speak of His divinity; He lived it out. He wasn’t taken by surprise when He was arrested, and He didn’t fight back. He willingly surrendered, knowing that His mission was to redeem humanity. When Jesus says, "I AM," He is reminding us that He is enough for whatever we face. He is our Healer, our Deliverer, our Provider, and our Savior.
Responding to Yahweh Today
So what does this mean for us in our daily lives? Yahweh is not just a theological concept or a name to be studied. He is the God who desires an intimate relationship with you. He is the same God who spoke to Moses, who liberated the Hebrews, who walked among us as Jesus, and who is present with you right now. He is an unchanging God in an ever-changing world.
When life feels unstable and uncertain, remember that Yahweh is your rock. When you feel alone, remember that He is the "I AM" who is always present with you. He is who He says He is, and He will never change.
Questions to Ponder:
- How does knowing that Yahweh is unchanging give you comfort in times of uncertainty?
- In what areas of your life do you need to be reminded of God’s presence today?
- How can the name "I AM" help you understand God’s character in a deeper way?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus claimed to be the "I AM" in the New Testament?
- How can you respond to Yahweh’s unchanging nature in your everyday actions and decisions?
Reflect on these questions and allow Yahweh’s eternal presence to shape your relationship with Him. He is faithful, He is constant, and He is always with you.