Scripture
Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” Jesus said, “ I Am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.”' Mark 14:61-62
Observation
With this one sentence, Jesus sealed His fate and secured ours. In this one response, Jesus revealed His identity and exposed the insecurity of the religious traditions of His day. Jesus didn’t want there to be any ambiguity, any uncertainty regarding who they were about to crucify so He quoted God’s conversation with Moses (Ex. 3:14), David (Ps. 110:1, and Daniel’s (Dan. 7:13) prophecies that spoke of Him. For someone to dare equate themselves with The Great “I Am” was blasphemy of the highest order and, according to Jewish law, deserving of death. Jesus effectively signed His death certificate so He could bring certain and eternal life to all who would choose to stand with The Great “I AM”. They all began to spit on Jesus and beat Him. Jesus invoked the prophets of old? So they covered his eyes and asked Jesus to prophesy about who was beating Him. Standing with “I Am” is never easy. Speaking of the fathers of the faith look take a quick look at the three that Jesus quoted. When Moses stood before Pharaoh introducing “I Am” as the One who would lead his people to freedom, he was mocked and ridiculed by both Pharaoh and his own people. When Daniel stood with “I Am” by kneeling in prayer when it was forbidden he was thrown in the lion's den. When David stood for “I Am” he was hunted down by King Saul and even his own son Absalom. Jesus had all the power in this situation and did the most powerful thing imaginable by laying His life down. All who stand with “The Great I Am” must do the same.
Application
I am Pharaoh, I am King, I am Pharisee are all titles that kept them from recognizing the “I am” in front of them. The King of Kings reigns over every person in authority and the only One with true authority was willing to lay it down to save those around them. On election day, of all days, how we desperately need to lay down our titles, surrender our signs and follow I Am into the fray. In a day of political posturing, abuse of power, and the mocking of faith it would be easier to hide behind my own title than to stand with his. I am Republican, I am Democrat, I am Independent, I am Christian, I am Athiest, I am Agnostic, I am Upperclass, I am Middle-class, I am Lower-class, etc. So many titles and they all must bow before “The Great I Am”. Humility over hubris is our only way through these tumultuous times. To stand with “I Am” means a willingness to lay my life down for those who define themselves by titles I don’t agree with or relate to. If I’m walking around with my title like so many political signs shouting my specific brand of life they will never see the one title that matters- “I AM”. I am not. I am not seated in the place of power because the throne of God is a one-seater. So why do I spend my time on power plays? I am not coming on the clouds of heaven so why do I try to elevate my name higher so others will know it? No one will be saved by calling on the name of Jon. Everyone will be saved who calls on the name Jesus- The Great I Am.
Prayer
Jesus, You aren’t a candidate in my life, You are King over my life! Your Heavenly Monarchy will guide me in an earthly democracy. King of Kings, You aren’t looking for my vote, You are looking for my heart. You don’t want my endorsement You want my involvement. This means abandoning my kingdoms and advancing Yours. To stand with “I AM” starts with laying my life down in service to others. My hope for the future is secure because regardless of who ends up in the White House You reign over my heart!
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