READ JOHN 8:21-28 AND 48-58
Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!”
During my first day at the Police Academy, I was taught the Montgomery County Maryland Police Code of Honor by a highly respected veteran Sergeant. The first few words stated, “I am a Montgomery County Police Officer a Soldier of the Law.” The code set the moral and ethical foundations for what would be expected of us during the course of our careers. Central to the code were the words trust, honor, faithfulness and our pledge to lay down our lives rather than swerving from the path of duty. Significant words with no option for deviation. They were meant to be ingrained in our minds and hearts. Solem words that would define our careers and legacies, as well as that of the department. It all started with the words “I am” as you freely, without reservation, accepted your identity and responsibilities as a sworn police officer. Significant words of a code that would be brought to life by your actions from your first day of service until you’re last.
Indeed, the words of the honor code were easy to memorize and recite. However, putting them into action was not an easy task in the ever changing and sometime volatile world of law enforcement. Public expectations, social and political pressures coupled with the ever-changing dynamics of the law required police officers stay disciplined and focused. They continually need to remind themselves that “I am” entrusted with the honorable and sacred duty of protecting and serving everyone without exception or favor.
Jesus uttered some of his most significant words when he employed the term “I AM!” He was defining exactly who he was in response to questioning by the religious leaders of his time. This put him on equal footing with God who used the term “I AM” with Moses in Exodus 3:6 and 3:14. Before making this boldly true statement, Jesus pronounced other truths that the religious leaders considered blasphemy. They felt he reinforced his guilt when he said those who believed in him would never die (v.50), and “I Am from above and unless you believe I Am who I claim to be, you will die of your sins” (V. 23). Then came the gut punch, “When you have lifted the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM he!” (v. 28). No turning back and no spinning his comments, just the consistent application of the truth. He was, is and will forever be our “I AM,” who laid down his life and took it back up for our salvation. Significant defining words put into direct action by the Son of God!
PAUSE FOR REFLECTION AND PRAYER
What are the significant words that define your faith? “I believe” would be a powerful defining foundational statement!
Dear Jesus, I freely acknowledge you as the “I AM.” Help me translate my belief into every day action to your glory.