When Moses was told to go to Egypt and demand the release of the Israelite slaves, he was understandably hesitant.
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?” he asked (Exodus 3:11).
More specifically he said, “Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ Then what shall I tell them?” (verse 13). Moses needs God’s name.
Names are interesting. Your name is one of the most personal things about you, but you did not choose it. It was given to you. Names come with baggage, both good and bad.
When Sara and I were choosing baby names, we had a terrible time. One would suggest a name, the other would say something like, “No. That name reminds me of a rude kid that went to school with me.” Names sometimes have a character about them and that makes us say things like, “She does not look like a Nancy. A Betty, maybe, but not a Nancy.”
In fact, there is a sense in which you really do not know someone until you know their name. I did not grow up here, so I am always asking people, “Do you know a guy who works at the credit union and drives a blue truck? Plays hockey. Tall dude.”
You can know a lot about a person, but until you know their name, you really do not know them.
In response to Moses’ request, God says, “I am who I am” (verse 14). This phrase could be translated “I was,” “I am” or “I will be.” It was a reminder to Moses that he was dealing with the creator who was before all things, is in all things now and will outlast everything in the end.
This is also the phrase from which the Jews get the name “Yahweh” which is their special name for God. It is a reminder of the fact that he cares for, protects and loves them. Yahweh is a relationship name.
Interestingly, once Moses hears that name and focuses on his relationship with God, he is ready to go. In fact, nothing can stop him.
It is not enough to a know a little bit about God.
We need to know God by name.
