In Genesis chapter 46, the story of Joseph and his brothers starts moving toward a happy ending. Joseph, the second most powerful man in Egypt, has finally revealed himself to his brothers; the very brothers who hated him and sold him into slavery. Joseph has assured them he has forgiven them and has no intentions of extracting vengeance on them. In fact, Joseph has promised to take care of them and their father during a terrible time of famine.
In the midst of this family restoration, it’s easy to skim over the simple yet profound truth that brought about this restoration. It’s a truth conveyed by three simple words found in the beginning of verse 3…
“I am God”
Don’t miss the power of these three words. They are the starting point for all conversation about God, because they punctuate who God is.
“I” – God is personal. He is not some nebulous, impersonal, force…in the Star Wars sense of things. He is personal. And because He is personal, He is relational.
“Am” – God is real. He exists. He is the ultimate reality; unchanging and unending. Everything that exists will either pass away or change, but God is the One and only, ever-present constant reality. (Hebrews 13:8)
“God” – God is God. He is not a god. He is not like god. He is, by very nature of the title, ultimately, absolutely, independently, completely God. He’s the only one. There are no others. There is no other power. No other hope. No other salvation. He is it!
“I am God.”
As short and simple as these three words are, they explode with theology, meaning, and truth. These three words can change a person’s life. Have they changed yours?
Bret Legg is the Teaching and Counseling Pastor at Warren Baptist Church in Augusta, GA.