To be honest the concept of the Old Testament God is somewhat intimidating to me…it always has been when it comes to my personal studies and even when listening to sermons in church. I always ask myself how I can apply the Old Testament lessons and the Old Testament God to my life today.
Malachi 3:6 (NKJV)
For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.
Well, there it is! There’s the answer to my question. He does not change. The Old Testament God is the same as the New Testament God who is the same as the God of today.
That’s easy enough to understand but sometimes (well, a LOT of times) I need to be reminded who the I Am is, and I need to be reminded that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. I need to be reminded of this not because there is a lack of His beautiful creations around me, and not because I don’t see His blessings every time I look into the eyes of my children. I am grateful for these reminders because it is so easy to become caught up in the goings-on of the day, and in the busyness of the day that I begin to lean on myself rather than rely on God. Days when He seems far away.
When I looked at the verses listed today I saw where I can use them each day. I was reminded who the I Am of the Old Testament is. I love how there is a starting point to go back to when it seems as if He is so far away. The statements listed below are only a few of the reminders He gives us:
- I Am the Lord your God, I do not change.
Never
- I Am who I Am.
God is God and always will be
- I Am the Lord in the midst of the land.
Our lands, homes, work, even the grocery store
- I Am the Lord who heals you.
Headaches, sore throats, emotional pain, our loved ones. Anything and everything.
- I the Lord your God am a jealous God.
He wants to be Number 1
- I Am gracious.
His grace and mercies are new each day
- I Am the Lord who sanctifies you.
Forgiveness and redemption
“Because God is creative, organized and thorough, He has given us markers and clues as we read His Word.” These markers and clues are reminders of who He is, reminders of how much He loves us, reminders of who we are within who He is.
This week my personal goal—a goal that I invite everyone to join me in—is to pay attention to the I Am statements within the Old Testament. Let’s highlight, underline, write on note cards the I Am statements that we find, and then begin to better understand who He is. I want to go back to the beginning and be reminded of the I Am of the Old Testament.
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Let’s Pray:
Dear Heavenly Father, Thank You for reminding us of who You are. Like a parent who reminds their child throughout the day, You remind us of who You are and of Your love for us. As You said in the Book of Malachi, “I do not change.” Lord, through this study, please open our hearts and allow us to remember who You are. Allow us to draw into our hearts the beauty and truth of Your words.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen