I AM

WHAT MATTERS

10/15/2015

Dr. C. Branker

The unseen and unknown God was a new concept to the Hebrews living in Egypt.

The Egyptians had a visible image of all their gods, displayed where everyone could see.

Pharaoh himself was man, ruler and god. He held the title 'Lord of two lands and High Priest of every temple'. 

Coming out of Egypt, there was no visible God for them to see.

The people's desire to see an image, caused Aaron to respond to their request, to  fashioned jewelry into a golden calf; which brought corruption and great trouble against them. 

Aaron, announced, "This is what the god of Israel looks like, who brought you out of Egypt".

God corrected that ignorance quickly in Exodus 20: 1-4.

"I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD WHO BROUGHT YOU OUT.

YOU SHALL HAVE NO OTHER  gods BEFORE ME

YOU SHALL NOT MAKE TO YOURSELVES CARVED IMAGES".

God demonstrated His power over all the gods of the Egyptians.

Yahweh, speaking with Moses from a burning bush and by a voice on the mountain, was not a visible God like the gods of the Egyptians. 

Moses, still had a deep desire to have a visible appearance, of The God behind the voice he kept hearing. Exodus 33:18. He asked God, " Please show me Your glory"

God responded. I WILL MAKE ALL MY GOODNESS PASS BEFORE YOU.

                            I WILL PROCLAIM MY NAME, I WILL BE GRACIOUS,

                             I WILL HAVE COMPASSION, BUT YOU CANNOT SEE MY FACE, ELSE YOU DIE.

God, in His grace and compassion, allowed Himself to be contained in a box (Ark of the covenant approximately 45 ins. X 25 ins. X 27 ins) as a visible presence among His people, throughout their generations.

Hebrews 11:6. " But without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

KEEP YOUR FAITH STRONG BY DILIGENTLY SEEKING GOD.

DCB.