I AM____

2 Samuel 14:14 is one of my favorite verses. The old woman comes to David and asks him to allow Absalom to return to Jerusalem. She says “God does not take away life; instead, he devises ways so that a banished person may not remain estranged from him.” Isn’t it awesome that God is always looking for ways to bring healing to families and bring people back to himself? Is there someone that God is bringing to mind who does not know him? Pray for them to experience God’s love and power. I remember a story of a woman who prayed for her husband for 50 years to come to know Christ. One day, on Sunday morning, he got up and said “I think I’ll go to church today.” He went and received Christ as his Lord and Savior and never stopped going.

Once Absalom is allowed to return to Jerusalem, David never goes to see him. Absalom even sets Joab’s field on fire to try and get his father’s attention. How hard is it for your kids to get your attention? Finally David is distracted from listening to his people. Absalom uses David’s neglect, to win the hearts of the people by promising them justice. Soon Absalom is able to remove David as king.

Judas’ betrayal is very similar to Absalom. When the guards arrive to arrest Jesus, Judas betrays with a kiss. The guards ask Jesus who he is. Jesus responds “I AM.” I’ve heard that he used the same word that Moses heard when he asked God what is name was. There is definitely power in that name because the guards actually fall to the ground. Does the name Jesus have power in your life? Who is he to you?

My prayer is that I will have a respect for the name of Jesus and allow his power to change my life. I pray that I can focus on the people that God has asked me to serve. I also pray for those who don’t know God and haven’t experienced his tremendous love.