Tag: Exodus 15:26
The Eternal “I AM”
Scripture reading for July 2: John 8:56-58 “”Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see My day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.””
When we become aware of the frailty of our human body and a disease or sickness brings us to cry out for help, often our first response is to turn to doctors. We have been conditioned by our culture to hold medicine and those trained in that field in high esteem. We trust that science and medicine have answers to our problems. But there is a much greater source of answers, cures and help in the God Who is known as the “I AM.”
The God Who reveals Himself as “I AM” in Scripture is the Creator of the universe and all life. He existed before time and is eternal. Our God is present in the here and now, but also was before time or matter. He is also fully conscious of all events and people, past, present and what will come. In the Old Testament, He revealed Himself specifically in several “I AM” statements, including “I AM the Lord, your Healer,” (Exodus 15:26) which we considered yesterday. We will consider these in coming devotions.
Jesus Christ, God’s Son, also claimed the same Name for Himself when responding to the questions of the Pharisees and scribes. As “I Am” Jesus is present in the here and now. His presence fills the universe and His knowledge is full and complete since He was and is always present and aware and involved with His creation. That is why He invites all His children to call upon Him for healing, direction, and understanding. He is able and willing to share His unmatched understanding with us. He is just what we need because in coming to earth as a human, He experienced everything we have gone through, yet without sin or breaking fellowship with His Father God.
Prayer: Father God, help me to more fully comprehend Your Name, “I AM” so that I might know You. I humbly recognize my own finite understanding and my need for Your infinite revelation knowledge. Lead me to faith for healing and eternal life. Amen.
Week 21–Day 1–EMS Encouragement
Scripture reading for May 18: Psalm 103:1-5 “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy Name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits, Who forgives all your iniquity, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit, Who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy, Who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
King David loved to worship God and composed many of the psalms, including this one. This psalm extols the blessing of God, encouraging each believer to remember and worship God Who alone can bring these benefits. This song of blessing to God comes from deep inside of David’s heart and the blessing are tied to personal experience of each one. We note that David blesses God’s holy Name. God’s Names in the Old Testament reveal these benefits and are part of His revelation to man of His merciful character and desire to see man made in His image made whole and fully reflecting Him.
First, God forgives us of all our iniquity. Iniquity is a term used to describe not just a transgression of God’s law, but a pattern of living outside of God’s law. When we confess and repent, God not only forgives us our sins but has the ability to help us live victorious over the patterns of sin that beset us.
God also heals all our diseases. Disease and sickness are part of living in a fallen world. They are part of Satan’s plan to kill, steal from us and destroy our bodies and souls. God revealed Himself as His people’s healer in Exodus 15:26 and the psalmist declares this as a benefit of trusting God. Jesus came doing miracles of healing to show His Father’s compassion for sick and hurting people.
As first responders who are believers, God wants us to allow His love and mercy to flow through us to those we respond to. We are to bless people by our competence and care, trusting God to do the healing. As medical professionals, we can only show compassion and treat disease and injury. God can bring healing and renew strength like an eagle.
Prayer: Father God, we bless You for all Your many benefits and Your steadfast love and mercy. We willingly give ourselves to You to minister Your love and mercy to those You send us to. Amen.