January 6 – The Eternal I AM

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. John 8:58 (KJV)

The name "I AM" signifies an eternal presence. To God, past, present, and future are one. He sees the most distant events of history and the farthest reaches of the future as clearly as we perceive the happenings of each day. While we cannot foresee what lies ahead, this uncertainty allows us the opportunity to exercise faith and trust in the eternal I AM.

Jesus declared, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad” (John 8:56, KJV). Long before Christ took on humanity, leaving His royal robes and crown to walk among us, Abraham had been granted a vision of His day and rejoiced in it. When the Jews questioned Him, saying, “Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham?” Jesus replied with divine authority: “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:57-58, KJV).

By using the name "I AM," Jesus connected Himself with the great declaration made to Moses: “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you” (Exodus 3:14, KJV). This name represents God’s eternal nature and His unchanging presence.

The prophet Isaiah also spoke of Christ’s eternal identity. He wrote, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, KJV). Through Isaiah, the Lord declares, “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour… Before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand… I am the Lord, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King” (Isaiah 43:11-15, KJV).

When Christ came to the world, He proclaimed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6, KJV). This declaration affirms His unique role as the eternal I AM, through whom salvation is granted and through whom we have access to the Father.

We are called to believe and serve the great I AM, trusting Him fully and relying on His eternal presence and unchanging power. His identity as the I AM assures us of His sovereignty over all time and His unending faithfulness to those who place their trust in Him.