I Am

 John 8: 51-59

⁵¹ Truly, truly, I say to you, if anyone keeps my word, he will never see death.” ⁵² The Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘If anyone keeps my word, he will never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? And the prophets died! Who do you make yourself out to be?” ⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ ⁵⁵ But you have not known him. I know him. If I were to say that I do not know him, I would be a liar like you, but I do know him and I keep his word. ⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” ⁵⁷ So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” ⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” ⁵⁹ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.

"I am", the name of God, the name given to Moses from the Burning Bush.. When Jesus claimed it as his own, the Jews were furious, for this was definitely blasphemy to their ears; no one except God could claim this name. No one, except Jesus, the Son of God...so easy for us to accept, but certainly not for the Jews. Yet, we need to keep pondering this name, this reality, and behave in the light of his teachings. If our behaviors matched the relationship the Son of God offers us, intends for us, how much happier we would be, how much better would this world be!  Dear Jesus, continue to love me and seek to draw me closer in friendship with you, despite my weaknesses and daily failings.  Be patient as I struggle to eliminate my shortcomings and welcome you as my best friend, my Savior."