The Lord had revealed himself to Moses in the burning bush. The Lord told Moses that he was the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Moses certainly knew who God was. His mother and father had taught him about the Lord.

And yet in this passage, when Moses is instructed by the Lord to go to the people of Israel, he asks the Lord what his name is. He says to the Lord, “When the children of Israel ask what your name is, what shall I tell them?” This might sound like an odd question because Moses already knew that he was talking to the Lord.

But in those days names had a lot more meaning than they do today. A name described a person. For example, Eve was the mother of all living, and Abraham a father of many nations. So now Moses wants to know what name he should use for God when he tells the people of Israel about him. They haven’t heard from the Lord for 400 years. So, Moses says, “When they say, ‘Who is this God?’ what shall I tell them?”

God tells Moses that his name is “I am who I am.” God is saying that he is true to his word. Whatever he has promised, he will do. In this name God is saying, “I will be with you. I am who I said I am. I will be with my people.” This is God’s covenant name: Yahweh or Lord (note the small capital letters). Whenever you see “Lord,” remember that this God is your God. He will always carry out his promises. He is who he says he is.

Sometimes we might be a bit like Moses and want to know who God really is. Sometimes we too forget to trust him and wonder if he is listening to our prayers. But here we are reminded that the Lord most certainly is who he says he is, and he will keep all of his promises to us.

Reflection with your child:

What does it mean to you when you see the name “Lord”?

Source: Sermon by Rev. S. ’t Hart