Names of God: I AM Who I AM

February 10, 2024

Bible Readings

Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.

Exodus 3:1-15

Memory Verse

Isaiah 1:17

Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. (NIV)

written by Ron VandenBurg
illustrated by Chad Thompson

At the top of the panel is a banner saying, “Live out Isaiah 1:17.”
In panel one, the text box says, “Learn to do right.” We see Casey reading the bible. We might see the actual text of Isaiah 1:17 with Casey reading it.

In panel two, the text box says, “Seek justice.” At the four-square game, Casey says to the kid holding the ball, “C’mon! Play fair. You know that you are out!” Milo encourages her. Casey is not saying this in a mean way or looking angry, so a smile conveys that.

In panel three, the text box says, “Help those who cannot help themselves.”
Casey and a younger crying boy meet the teacher, Mrs. Wendy Zhang. In the background, we see a bully running away. Mrs. Zhang is on one knee and coming in to comfort the situation. She is looking Casey in the eye. Casey says, “Mrs. Zhang, there’s a problem. He needs some help.”

Print Comic

How do we help others who cannot help themselves? That was the mission God called Moses to do in Exodus 3:1-15. Moses did not know what to think. He had lots of questions and was full of worry and fear. Moses questioned if God had chosen the right person to rescue his people. You may feel like Moses at some point, saying, “Who am I to speak up when someone is being mistreated?”

Remember that you are a child of God. Because we are his children, God wants us to learn to do what is right to address injustice around us. Isaiah 1:17 gives us a summary of those instructions.

Learn to do right. God is our source to discover what is right and wrong. The first step to standing up for others is to know what you believe. Reading your Bible and attending Sunday school and church are some ways you can learn to do the right thing according to what the Bible says.

Seek justice. What is fair, equal, and balanced for everyone around us? When you see people treating others in a way that does not agree with God, he wants us to do something about it. For example, God may be calling you to stand up for someone being teased or mistreated because of how they look or where they live. One way that you can seek justice for them might be by getting help from an adult.

Help those who cannot help themselves. Sometimes bullies pick on people that they know cannot defend themselves. For example, Pharaoh mistreated the Israelites, and he used his power for evil and not for the good of the people. Ask God to show you who he wants you to help and how to help them.

In the story, Moses calls God “The God of your fathers” (Exodus 3:13), when God shows that he forever keeps his promises. God identifies himself as “I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14). God is still the great I AM, and because of this, he is everything and gives us everything we need to stand up for others.

Prayer

Dear Lord, please help me to see the needs of others the way you do. Help me to speak up for those who cannot defend themselves. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Related Resources

Bible Story

Moses and All the Excuses

Liz and Friends

Morrie the Samaritan

Activity

What Would Jesus Do?

Natasha Menifee

Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.