I Am – Deepika Emmanuel Sagar
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you. ” (Exodus 3:14 NIV)
How many times do we use the phrase “I am” in an arrogant way for our own benefit? We rebuke each other or mock each other with immense pride. How good it would be if we let the term “I am” refer only to the Lord!
A prideful mind is like a hindrance to the Spirit. During his time in the flesh, Jesus never boasted in front of the Pharisees saying “I am” as a means to elevate Himself. (On one occasion Jesus applied the singular title to himself when facing the Pharisees who accused him of possessing a demon, (John 8:58 NIV) but he didn’t claim the title ‘I am’ to glorify himself.) The King walked in humility.
We see people around us hungry for recognition and acclaim, uneasy and some even depressed because they’re not being recognized. But a certificate of goodness from the world should carry no meaning to a mind occupied with the Spirit. True spirituality doesn’t dwell on the opinion of flesh.
Matters of the Spirit are impractical to a critical carnal mind. I wonder how much Jesus was criticized when He was arrested by the soldiers. There may have been those who advised him to compromise with the Pharisees so he could be free, or to stop teaching in public so the teachers of the law would not feel offended. But the King didn’t listen or take His advice from the world.
This is so powerful! Unshakable, Jesus went to the cross knowing His strength and purpose in the world. He didn’t need to mock the people for their ignorance or make fun of the Pharisees for their pea-sized understanding. Think of it — Jesus, the great “I am” was walking and talking on the streets, and yet few recognized who He really was. Yet, when we achieve something – even considerably small in the flesh, we hunger for praise and acclaim.
Deepika lives in India with her husband and children. She loves to share Jesus with the world. Contact