EL SHADDAI: ALMIGHTY GOD

If we look back, we may be mired in regret. If we look around, we could be overwhelmed with circumstances. If we look ahead, we might be paralyzed with fear. So, look up!  There you will find El Shaddai—Almighty God—who can blot out past failures, conquer present foes, and chase prospective fears.

This is how God revealed Himself to a very old Abram [Abraham], as he was but a year shy of the century mark—and still without a son born to him and his wife Sarai [Sarah]. Abraham and Sarah had tried to help God out (read Gen.16), in the disastrous Hagar and Ishmael incident. Now, some thirteen years have passed and God doubles down on His promise. He changes the name Abram (Exalted Father) to Abraham (Father of a Multitude) and Sarai to Sarah (Princess).

It was humanly impossible. They were well past child-bearing age. But, with God all things are possible!  Nothing is too hard for the Lord. He is El Shaddai! So, very soon, Sarah will be carrying Abraham’s child and birth Isaac into their family!

Will you give Almighty God your past, present, and future? No matter how you have failed yesterday, what you are facing today, or what you fear for tomorrow, trust Him. El Shaddai is more than able to care for you!

EL ELYON: GOD MOST HIGH

Genesis 14:18 introduces us to the mysterious Melchizedek, who was both king and priest, in the city that came to be known as Jerusalem. According to the writer of Hebrews, Melchizedek is a type of Christ (Ps.110:4; Heb.5:6,10; 6:20; 7:1ff). That would be a fascinating study in itself, but is not the purpose of this one.

Our focus is on the name of God that Melchizedek uses: “God Most High,” translated from the Hebrew, “El Elyon.”  There is no one above Him—God is the highest in His majesty, sovereignty, and glory. Of any god man might devise in his mind, with any words he or she might describe with his or her tongue, with any craftsmanship of an deity humans might devise—none can even compare to the Most High God!

El Elyon is described by Melchizedek as “Possessor of heaven and earth.”  As Creator, Sustainer, and Master of the universe, all of it—every molecule—belongs to Him. He directs all things to the fulfillment of His will and the exalting of His name and fame. Abram [Abraham, as he would come to be called] is the recipient of God’s favor here—in this case enabling his servant to win victory in battle against an alliance of kings that had taken his nephew, Lot, along with his family and possessions, captive. The battle was not won by Abraham’s superior strategy, but by God’s supreme sovereignty.

I don’t know what battles you are facing today. I do know that all God’s children are in a spiritual war with Satan. In our own strength, we have no might against our supernatural foe. The good news is, that the Devil and his dark army of demons has no means to withstand El Elyon, God Most High!  Trust Him and walk in victory!  “And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” (1 John 5:4b).