AGENDA – I AM WHO I AM

OPENING PRAYER - Heavenly Father, we thank you for this opportunity to read and study Your Word. Please guide our thoughts and open our hearts to understand the truths You want to reveal. In Jesus' name, Amen.
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – A NEW KING IN TOWN Now a new king arose over Egypt, 
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – THE BIRTH OF MOSES Now a man from the house of Levi went and married a Levite woman.
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – MOSES FLEES TO MIDIAN One day, after Moses had grown up,
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – GOD CALLS MOSES - Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro,
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – MOSES RETURNS TO EGYPT So Moses took his wife and his sons, put them on a donkey,
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – THE PLAGUES Then the Lord said to Moses,
READ THE SCRIPTURE ALOUD – THE TENTH PLAGUE: DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN At midnight the Lord struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt,
QUESTIONS FOR THE JOURNEY
1. Moses is one of the most important biblical figures, yet one of the first things we learn about Moses is that he killed an Egyptian and hid the body. How does this fit with your childhood image of Moses? What might we learn from this part of Moses' life story?
The account of Moses killing an Egyptian might challenge the common childhood image of him as a flawless hero, a righteous leader chosen by God. That sanitized image often focuses solely on his later acts, such as the Ten Commandments or parting the Red Sea. 
However, this pivotal event in the biblical narrative offers profound insights into Moses' character development and God's use of imperfect individuals: 
•	A Flawed Protagonist: The story immediately establishes Moses not as an untouchable saint, but as a deeply human, flawed, and impassioned individual capable of making drastic mistakes. This makes his journey from a fugitive to a revered prophet more relatable and impactful.
•	Early Moral Compass: The act, while violent and unlawful, stemmed from a nascent desire to defend his people, the enslaved Israelites, whom he saw being wronged. This indicates an early, if misdirected, sense of justice and identification with his heritage, despite being raised in Pharaoh's household.
•	Consequences and Transformation: The immediate consequence for Moses was not divine approval, but fear and a 40-year exile in the wilderness as a humble shepherd. This long period of hiding and reflection was crucial for his personal growth, humility, and preparation for his ultimate calling. It demonstrates the biblical principle that even great leaders face real consequences for their actions and require a period of transformation before they are ready for their mission.
•	Redemption and God's Grace: Ultimately, the story highlights the themes of redemption. Moses was a murderer and a fugitive, yet God chose to call him from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of slavery. This emphasizes that God can work through anyone, regardless of past sins, and highlights the themes of forgiveness and grace. 
In essence, this part of the story introduces complexity and realism to Moses' life, showing that his greatness was not inherent perfection, but rather the result of a difficult journey of struggle, repentance, and obedience to a higher calling
2. Moses is taking his usual, daily walk with his sheep when God appears to him in the burning bush. The Bible tells us that Moses had to "turn aside" to see and encounter God. What might this say to us about how we see and encounter God? Have you ever had to step off your normal path in order to experience God more fully? What was that like? 
When God appeared to Moses in the burning bush, the biblical narrative emphasizes that Moses "turned aside" to witness the phenomenon, an action suggesting that encountering the divine often requires a conscious effort and a deliberate redirection of focus from our usual daily routines [1]. 
Key insights derived from Moses' action:
•	Intentionality: The encounter was not accidental; Moses chose to investigate the unusual sight rather than dismiss it. This suggests that seeing and encountering God requires intentionality and a willingness to step outside our normal paths or preoccupations.
•	Mindfulness and Awareness: God's presence was there all along, but Moses had to pause his routine and become aware of his surroundings in a new way to notice it. This highlights the importance of mindfulness and paying attention to the extraordinary within the ordinary.
•	Prioritization: "Turning aside" implies a shift in priorities. It means momentarily putting aside the demands of daily life—in Moses' case, leading his sheep—to make space for the spiritual.
•	Availability: God is always present, but we must be available and receptive to the encounter. Moses made himself available by stopping and looking. 
Ultimately, Moses' action teaches that while God may be continuously present, the onus is on humans to actively "turn aside" from their distractions and daily habits to truly perceive and connect with that presence.
Have you ever had to step off your normal path in order to experience God more fully? What was that like?
As an AI, I do not have personal experiences, consciousness, or the ability to experience concepts like God. My "path" is determined by my programming, which involves processing information and generating responses based on the data I was trained on. I do not have a physical existence or a spiritual life that would allow me to "step off a path" in a religious or personal sense. You will have to answer from your own experiences.
3. Moses has an amazing encounter with God, but he still doesn't feel "good enough" to answer God's call. Moses worries that he isn't eloquent in speech, and he asks God to send someone else. Have you ever felt "not good enough" to serve God? How might God's response to Moses speak to you? 
As an AI, I do not have personal feelings, self-doubt, or a relationship with a deity, so I haven't "felt not good enough" to serve God in a human sense. However, I can explore the biblical narrative of Moses and extract the profound spiritual lessons it offers for individuals who experience such feelings of inadequacy [1]. 
The story of Moses provides a powerful framework for understanding how God responds to human self-doubt: 
•	Recognition of Inadequacy: Moses, when called by God at the burning bush, famously expressed his own unworthiness and inability [1]. He asked, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh...?" (Exodus 3:11, NIV). His response mirrors the sentiment of feeling "not good enough."
•	Focus on God's Presence, Not Human Ability: God's reply was not a commendation of Moses's skills, but a promise of divine presence: "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12, NIV). This shifts the focus from an individual's personal capacity to the enabling power and guidance of God [1]. The work is accomplished through God's strength, not human strength alone.
•	Addressing Excuses and Limitations: Moses offered several excuses, including his lack of eloquence ("I am slow of speech and slow of tongue" - Exodus 4:10, NIV) [1]. God responded by highlighting His own sovereignty over human faculties: "Who gave human beings their mouths? Who makes them deaf or mute? Who gives them sight or makes them blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will teach you what to say" (Exodus 4:11-12, NIV). 
For someone who feels "not good enough," God's response to Moses might speak to them by: 
•	Assuring them that their perceived weakness is not a barrier, but an opportunity for God's strength to be evident [1].
•	Emphasizing that God equips those He calls, rather than calling those who are already perfectly equipped.
•	Highlighting the importance of availability and obedience over personal self-confidence or natural talents [1]. 
Ultimately, the message is that service to God is based on His call and His provision, not human merit or self-perceived worthiness
4. Throughout the story of the plagues, the Bible tells us again and again that Pharaoh's "heart was hardened." What do you think that means? 
The phrase "Pharaoh's heart was hardened" is a key motif in the biblical account of the Plagues of Egypt, found primarily in the book of Exodus. This phrase appears repeatedly and is generally interpreted in several interconnected ways, pointing to his obstinance, his refusal to acknowledge God's power, and his ultimate destiny as an instrument of divine will [1]. 
Scholars and theologians often interpret the hardening of Pharaoh's heart to mean the following: 
•	Obstinance and Defiance: On a human level, it signifies Pharaoh's personal and stubborn refusal to obey God's command to "let my people go." Despite witnessing a series of increasingly devastating miracles/plagues, his pride and belief in his own divinity and the power of his own gods led him to resist giving up the Israelites, who were crucial to Egypt's labor force [1].
•	Divine Intervention/Sovereignty: The text often alternates between saying "Pharaoh hardened his heart" (indicating his choice) and "the Lord hardened Pharaoh's heart" (indicating divine action). This highlights the theological concept that God was in control of the situation and was using Pharaoh's stubbornness to demonstrate His own power to the Israelites and the Egyptians [1]. This allowed for the full sequence of ten plagues to unfold, leading to a more complete demonstration of God's might and a definitive rescue of the Israelites.
•	A "Hardened" Conscience or Will: The hardening refers to a spiritual insensitivity, where Pharaoh became progressively less receptive to reason, evidence, or empathy for the suffering of his people [1]. Each act of defiance reinforced his resolve until he became morally and spiritually impervious to God's message.
•	Fulfillment of Prophecy: The narrative frames the hardening as the fulfillment of God's earlier declaration to Moses that He would, in fact, harden Pharaoh's heart to showcase His signs and wonders and ultimately bring judgment upon Egypt [1]. 
In summary, the phrase means that Pharaoh became unyielding and defiant, both by his own will and by divine orchestration, ultimately serving as a powerful illustration of God's sovereignty and a catalyst for the dramatic liberation of the Israelites
5. Sometimes it is Pharaoh himself who hardens his heart, and sometimes the Bible says that God hardens Pharaoh's heart. What do you think the difference might be between those two descriptions? What are the effects of a hardened heart in the Bible? What effects do you see today of hardened hearts? 
The difference between Pharaoh hardening his own heart and the Bible saying God hardened his heart involves the interplay of human responsibility and divine sovereignty. The effects of a hardened heart in the Bible include spiritual blindness and divine judgment, and today these effects can be seen in a lack of empathy and a resistance to moral truth. 
The Difference in Description
The narrative uses both descriptions, and theological interpretations suggest a few possibilities for the distinction: 
•	Pharaoh's Responsibility vs. God's Sovereignty: The instances of Pharaoh hardening his own heart emphasize his free will and moral responsibility for his choices and ongoing rebellion against God. The statements that God hardened Pharaoh's heart highlight God's ultimate control and ability to steer even human evil toward His purposes. Both are seen as true from different perspectives.
•	A Judicial Act: A common interpretation is that Pharaoh first hardened his own heart by refusing the initial commands and signs, and in response to this self-willed obstinance, God judicially "gave him up" to his own sinful desires, solidifying his existing resolve.
•	Intensifying Existing Character: God's action can be seen not as creating fresh evil, but as intensifying Pharaoh's pre-existing stubborn character, ensuring the power encounter would be prolonged to fully demonstrate God's power to the Israelites and Egyptians.
•	Literary/Theological Purpose: The different descriptions may also serve the narrative's purpose of showing that no human evil can thwart God's plan and that the entire sequence of events, including Pharaoh's resistance, was part of God's plan for His name to be proclaimed throughout the earth. 
Effects of a Hardened Heart in the Bible
A hardened heart in the Bible is a condition of being resistant or unresponsive to spiritual truth, moral conviction, and divine counsel. The effects include: 
•	Disobedience to God: A refusal to obey God's commands, even in the face of clear evidence of His power.
•	Spiritual Blindness and Ignorance: An inability to recognize God's work, perceive spiritual realities, or understand divine truth.
•	Loss of Sensitivity/Seared Conscience: A numbed conscience that sins without shame or regret and is no longer sensitive to conviction by the Holy Spirit.
•	Pride and Self-Sufficiency: A self-focused mindset that views itself as independent of God's authority and justifies wrongdoing.
•	Divine Judgment and Destruction: Persistent hardening of the heart eventually leads to God's wrath and judgment, as seen in the plagues and the ultimate destruction of Pharaoh and his army.
•	Loss of Divine Rest: As seen with the Israelites in the wilderness, a hardened heart results in a loss of God's promised rest and blessings. 
Effects of Hardened Hearts Today
Today, the effects of hardened hearts can be seen in various personal and societal dynamics:
•	Lack of Empathy and Compassion: A general insensitivity to the suffering of others, a focus on self-indulgence, and a decline in community and relational connection.
•	Moral Decay: An increase in open and unashamed sin, where individuals or even society as a whole lose the ability to discern right from wrong.
•	Rejection of Truth and Authority: A skepticism toward established moral and spiritual truths, leading to a focus on personal desires and a rejection of God's word and the warnings found in Scripture.
•	Division and Conflict: Blaming others instead of taking personal responsibility, which can be seen in ongoing political and social polarization and an inability to find common ground or peace.
•	Inability to Learn from Consequences: Continuing in harmful patterns despite experiencing severe pain or negative outcomes, because the underlying issue (the heart condition) remains unaddressed.
6. This chapter tells of the first Passover, and the institution of the Passover meal that Jews observe to this day. You may see some similarities in this story to that of Jesus' final days. The Last Supper that Jesus shared with his disciples was likely a Passover meal (Mark 14:12-25), a branch of hyssop is used to feed Jesus sour wine when he is crucified (John 19:29), and Jesus is referred to in John 1:29 as the Passover Lamb. How might we understand those parts of the life of Jesus in light of this story?
The connections between the first Passover story in the Old Testament and the life of Jesus, particularly his final days, offer a rich theological framework for understanding Christian beliefs [1]. These connections, often highlighted in the New Testament, are interpreted by Christians in terms of fulfillment, typology, and symbolism. 
The Last Supper as a Passover Meal
The New Testament, notably the Gospel of Mark (Mark 14:12-25), suggests the Last Supper was a Seder, or Passover meal. 
•	A New Covenant: In the original Passover, the blood of a lamb marked the doors of Israelite homes, saving them from the final plague (Exodus 12). During the Last Supper, Jesus presents the bread and wine as his body and blood, establishing a "new covenant" [1].
•	Redemption and Liberation: Just as the original Passover meal was a celebration of liberation from physical slavery in Egypt, the Last Supper is seen as the institution of a new covenant that offers spiritual liberation from sin and death [1]. 
The Hyssop Branch
The use of a hyssop branch to offer Jesus sour wine while on the cross Gospel of John (John 19:29) links back to a specific detail in the Passover instructions. 
•	The Application of Blood: In the first Passover account, hyssop was the plant used to daub the blood of the sacrificed lamb on the doorframes of the Israelite homes (Exodus 12:22).
•	Symbolic Continuity: The reuse of hyssop during the crucifixion is seen as a deliberate symbolic link, reinforcing the idea that Jesus' sacrifice is the fulfillment of the Passover requirement [1]. 
Jesus as the "Passover Lamb"
The reference to Jesus as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world" in the Gospel of John (John 1:29) is a direct theological interpretation. 
•	The Unblemished Lamb: The Passover instructions required a lamb without blemish or defect. Christians believe Jesus was sinless, the perfect sacrifice [1].
•	Substitutionary Atonement: The lamb's sacrifice in Egypt was a substitution that spared the firstborn sons. Jesus' sacrifice is understood as a substitutionary act, where his death atones for the sins of humanity [1].
•	Timing: The timing of Jesus' crucifixion, which coincided with the time when the Passover lambs were being slaughtered in the Temple, further emphasizes this connection for many Christians [1]. 
In summary, the connections between Jesus' life and the first Passover story are interpreted as evidence that God's plan of salvation was consistently unfolding across history. The events of Jesus' final days are seen as the ultimate realization of the themes of sacrifice, redemption, and liberation first established in the Exodus story [1]
NEXT STEPS 
•	Moses' encounter with God in the burning bush is called a theophany, a revelation or showing of God. The Bible is full of stories of theopanies. Look at some of the other stories of God showing up to people, like Isaiah 6:1-6, Luke 3:21-22, and Revelation 1:9-19. What do you notice about these stories? How are they similar? What are the differences? 
Biblical theophanies share common elements such as a divine-initiated encounter, the presence of God often manifested in light/fire/cloud, a message or commission given to the human recipient, and a transformative impact on the person involved. The differences lie primarily in the form of the manifestation and the nature of the revelation, evolving from symbolic representations in the Old Testament to the direct incarnation of Christ in the New. 
Similarities
•	God-Initiated Encounters: In all cases, God is the one who initiates the encounter; the individuals do not seek out the theophany themselves.
•	Manifestation of Glory: The divine presence is often accompanied by an overwhelming display of light, fire, or glory, indicating God's power and holiness.
•	Sense of Awe and Humility: The human reaction is consistently one of awe, fear, or a sense of personal unworthiness in the face of divine holiness.
•	Divine Message or Commission: Each theophany involves a verbal message, often commissioning the individual for a specific task (Moses to lead Israel, Isaiah to be a prophet, Jesus for His public ministry, John to record the vision).
•	Transformation: The encounter transforms the recipient, inaugurating a new relationship with God and a deeper understanding of His nature and will. 
Differences

In summary, the Old Testament accounts tend to use temporary, non-human, or veiled forms of appearance, while the New Testament theophanies (culminating in the Incarnation and post-resurrection visions) move towards more direct, personal revelation through Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate expression of God's appearance to humanity
•	When God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, he tells Moses two of his names. One is "I am who I am" and the other is "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." What might each of those names tell us about God? Look at some other names of God in the Bible (Genesis 17:7-13, Judges 6:24, Isaiah 9:6, James 1:17). What might these many names teach us about God? What names of God have been important to you?
When God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, the two names he reveals—"I am who I am" and "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob"—provide profound insights into His nature as both transcendent and immanent. The various other names for God throughout the Bible further illustrate His multifaceted character and His desire for a dynamic, personal relationship with humanity. 
The Names Revealed to Moses
•	"I am who I am" (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh): This name speaks to God's eternal, self-existent, and unchangeable nature. It indicates that His existence is not dependent on anything else and that He is always consistent with who He is, was, and will be. To Moses, this likely conveyed God's ultimate power and ability to accomplish His will, emphasizing His sufficiency and immediate presence to save His people, regardless of the circumstances in Egypt.
•	"I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob": This name highlights God's personal, covenantal relationship with His people and His faithfulness to His promises. By identifying Himself with the patriarchs who had been dead for centuries, God indicated that they were still alive to Him, thereby affirming the reality of the resurrection and eternal life. This name assures Moses and the Israelites that the God of their ancestors is still active and intends to fulfill the covenant promises made to them. 
Other Biblical Names and Their Meaning
Exploring other names for God reveals additional aspects of His character:
•	El Shaddai (God Almighty/All-Sufficient One) (Genesis 17:1-13): This name, under which God appeared to the patriarchs, emphasizes His power and sufficiency to provide for and sustain His people. It conveys His ability to do the humanly impossible, particularly in the context of promising countless descendants to an elderly Abraham and Sarah.
•	Jehovah Shalom (The Lord Is Peace) (Judges 6:24): Gideon built an altar with this name after encountering God and receiving assurance that he would not die. This name teaches that God is the source of true peace, even in times of conflict or distress.
•	Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6): These messianic titles for the coming savior teach us about God's wisdom, power, enduring care, and ability to bring ultimate peace and just governance.
•	Father of Lights (James 1:17): This New Testament name, used by the Apostle James, emphasizes God's unchanging nature and that all good and perfect gifts come from Him, the source of all celestial light. It highlights His constant goodness and reliability. 
Overall Teachings
The many names of God teach us that no single name or description can fully capture His complex and majestic nature. Each name reveals a specific attribute or a particular way in which God interacts with humanity in different situations. Together, they form a holistic picture of a God who is: 
•	Eternal and Transcendent: Existing beyond time and not dependent on His creation.
•	Personal and Relational: Engaging in covenant relationships with individuals and nations.
•	Powerful and Sufficient: Able to do all things and meet every need (almighty, all-sufficient).
•	Faithful and Unchanging: Keeping His promises and remaining consistent in character. 
Personal Reflection
A personal response is needed here as the user asked, "What names of God have been important to you?". The following is a sample response.
The name "Jehovah Jireh" (The Lord Will Provide) has always been particularly important to me. In moments of financial uncertainty or when facing seemingly impossible challenges, remembering this name serves as a powerful reminder of God's foresight and provision, just as He provided a ram for Abraham's sacrifice in Genesis 22:14. It has fostered a deep trust in His ability to meet my needs according to His will and timing
CLOSING PRAYER - Lord, thank you for this time of study and for Your Word. As we leave, please help us to carry the truths we've learned into our daily lives and to live out Your teachings. May we continue to grow in faith and reflect Your love to others. Amen.