by Shannon Wagers

 

Almost two thousand years ago on this day (that we call “Good Friday”), at about three o’clock in the afternoon, in Aramaic our Lord Jesus cried out to his Father from a hill outside Jerusalem, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani.” Jesus was quoting from Psalm 22 as he hung on the cross for you and me. This phrase that was uttered from the parched lips of Jesus can be translated, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Why did Jesus say these words that seem to complain to his heavenly Father? We don’t know exactly why Jesus felt “forsaken,” since he and the Father are One, but somehow as he atoned for the sins of the whole world as a sacrificial lamb, he felt God’s hatred of sin. God had placed the sins of the whole world on his Son, and in that moment, Jesus felt the anguish of being unconscious of his Father’s presence.

 

God the Father’s personal name revealed in the Old Testament is “Yahweh.” In Exodus 3:14 when Moses asked God who he should say sent him, God responded, “I AM WHO I AM. Say this to the people of Israel: I AM has sent me to you” (NLT). In the following verse (Exodus 3:15), God identified himself as “Yahweh, the God of your ancestors” (though many translations render this as “the Lord”).

 

This connection between “I AM” and Yahweh is significant—they share the same Hebrew root word, which means “to exist.” This reveals God’s nature as self-existent, eternal, and ever-present. The name appears throughout Scripture, such as in Psalm 83:18, “Then they will learn that you alone are called the Lord [Yahweh], that you alone are the Most High, supreme over all the earth” (NLT). In Isaiah 42:8, God declares, “I am the Lord [Yahweh]; that is my name!” (NLT), emphasizing the importance of this name that represents God’s covenant faithfulness and active participation in human history.

 

When Jesus made his “I AM” declarations in the New Testament (John 8:58, “. . . before Abraham was even born, I AM!”), he was connecting himself to this divine name, claiming identity with Yahweh.

 

Some scholars have suggested that the very act of breathing mirrors the name Yahweh— “Yah” on inhalation and “Weh” on exhalation. While this idea isn’t explicitly biblical, it beautifully illustrates our dependence on God for every moment of life. Job 12:10 reminds us, “For the life of every living thing is in his hand, and the breath of every human being” (NLT).

 

Jesus’ Breath

As a child of the ’80s, I loved The Police’s iconic song, “Every Breath You Take.” The song—Billboard’s number one hit of 1983—has a lasting melody and lyrics that speak of constant presence and observation. While lead singer Sting may have had a different intent, it’s fascinating to think of the song in a spiritual light—every breath we take is a reminder of the One who gives us life, sustains us, and is always with us. God, the eternal “I AM,” has revealed himself to us as Yahweh. He breathed life into humanity and continues to sustain us every day.

 

When Jesus breathed on his disciples in John 20:22, saying, “Receive the Holy Spirit” (NLT), he was imparting not just physical breath, but spiritual life. This act echoes Yahweh’s original gift of life to Adam, showing that Jesus is indeed Yahweh in action.

 

When we understand that every breath we take is sustained by him, our response should be one of awe and gratitude. Acts 17:28 says it plainly: “For in him we live and move and exist” (NLT). Whether we’re singing praises or simply breathing quietly in prayerful reflection, our lives become an act of worship when we acknowledge Jesus as Yahweh.

 

The Eternal “I AM”: Jesus and Yahweh

The connection between Jesus and Yahweh is undeniable when we examine key Scriptures. In Exodus 3:14, God revealed his personal name to Moses: “I AM WHO I AM” (NLT). Fast forward to John 8:58 where Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was even born, I AM!” (NLT). This statement wasn’t lost on his audience—they immediately recognized it as a claim to deity and sought to stone him for blasphemy.

 

Jesus wasn’t just a prophet or teacher; he was claiming to be Yahweh himself—the same God who spoke from the burning bush. Hebrews 13:8 reinforces this truth: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (NLT). His unchanging nature reflects Yahweh’s eternal existence.

 

In Genesis 2:7 we read that “The Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person” (NLT). This act of breathing life into humanity highlights Yahweh’s intimate involvement in creation. Every breath we take is a gift from him.

 

Throughout his ministry, Jesus repeatedly used “I AM” statements to reveal his divine identity. These declarations go beyond mere metaphors; they are direct claims to being Yahweh. For instance, Jesus said:

“I am the bread of life” (John 6:35, NLT). He sustains us spiritually.

“I am the light of the world” (John 8:12, NLT). He dispels darkness.

“I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25, NLT). He holds power over death.

 

These statements align with Yahweh’s role as Creator, Sustainer, and Redeemer. When Jesus declared in John 8:58 that he existed before Abraham, he wasn’t just speaking metaphorically—he was affirming his eternal nature as Yahweh.

 

Jesus’ Presence Today

Recognizing Jesus as Yahweh should transform how we live and worship. It shifts our focus from self-centered pursuits to a Christ-centered life. King David proclaimed in Psalm 8:1, “O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens” (NLT). The realization that Jesus is Yahweh calls us to complete dependence on him. Just as our physical breath sustains us moment by moment, so our relationship with Christ sustains our spiritual lives. Here are three practical ways for living this out daily.

 

—Be Present with God

The name “I AM” shows us that God exists in the eternal now. Try slowing down your prayer time instead of rushing through it. Take a few minutes each day to just sit quietly with God. Psalm 46:10 instructs us, “Be still, and know that I am God!” (NLT). This will help you connect with God who is always present with you, right here, right now.

 

—Lean on God’s Consistency

Yahweh reveals that God doesn’t change with the wind. When life gets rocky, remember Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (NLT). Try keeping a simple list of times God has come through for you in the past. When you’re feeling anxious or doubtful, pull out that list and remind yourself that the God who helped you before is still the same God today.

 

—Look for God in Your Everyday Life

Yahweh isn’t some far-off God who set the world spinning and then walked away. He’s actively involved in your life. Try talking to God throughout your day—during your quiet time, while driving, or while taking a walk—He’s there! The apostle Paul challenges us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to “Never stop praying” (NLT). This ongoing conversation will help you recognize God’s fingerprints in the ordinary moments of your day.

 

While the hit song “Every Breath You Take” captured a certain sentiment for its era, the spiritual metaphor is something more profound—God’s constant presence in our lives through Jesus Christ. Each moment we breathe is an opportunity to acknowledge him as our Lord and Savior. Breathe deeply today, and give thanks to God for the redemption he provided for you through his Son’s death on the cross.

 

“Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!’ And having said this he breathed his last” (Luke 23:46, ESV).

 

With a 26-year career at Procter and Gamble, Shannon Wagers has launched dozens of consumer products and is the recipient of six patents. He is the North American Manager for P&G Leadership Academy Operations and is recognized as P&G’s Master Facilitator. Shannon resides in Liberty Township with his wife Ruth, daughter Katherine, and dog Bear.