What Does It Really Mean?

Yesterday we began examining the name El Shaddai, a name that is sometimes defined as "God Almighty" and sometimes as "All-Sufficient."  So, what does it really mean?  Does it refer to God as omnipotent - all powerful, or does it refer to His sufficiency?  Let's reason this through.  It seems to me that it's not an "either/or" situation as much as it is "both".  It makes sense to me that if God is omnipotent, if He has all power and all might, that He is therefore "sufficient" for every situation.  What do you think?

Of course, if Hebrew scholars through the centuries have debated this issue, I'm not sure we will solve it in this blog post.  Nor am I sure it really matters!  As I have told you before, I am not a Hebrew scholar.  In fact, I know very little Hebrew.  But I can read what the scholars have written, and occasionally it even makes sense!  So let me share a little of what I have discovered in my research, you can draw your own conclusions, dig deeper if you choose to (and if you do, I hope you'll leave a comment and share your findings), and then we'll move on.  And if you're finding all this too technical, feel free to skip a couple of paragraphs!

John Davis in Grace Journal (Volume 4) writes that there are several basic views concerning the name “El Shaddai". The first is that Shaddai comes from the root šādad (shadad) “to be strong” or “powerful.” This view seems to be the more popular. The emphasis, especially in respect to the patriarchs, is that of God’s power and strength. Oehler favors this view in his Theology of the Old Testament.  Another view maintains that Shaddai comes from a compound word which in Hebrew means “sufficiency.” For a statement of this view, see the writings of John Calvin.

Tyndale Bible Dictionary has an excellent summary of the origin and meaning of Shaddai:  In these passages the combined ideas of God as the all-powerful, all-sufficient, transcendent, sovereign ruler and disposer are present. This meaning is generally accepted, but there are differences as to the exact meaning of the term Shaddai. Some have begun with shad as the first concept to be considered; its meaning is “breast,” and it is considered a “precious metaphor” of the God who nourishes, supplies, and satisfies.  More acceptable is the suggestion that Shaddai is a composite term of sha (“the one who”) and dai (“is sufficient”). The later Greek versions have adopted this meaning. The most preferred explanation is that Shaddai is derived from the verb shadad (“to overpower, to deal violently, or to devastate”). A clear connection between shadad and Shaddai is said to be found in Isaiah 13:6 and Joel 1:15. God as El Shaddai is presented as the all-powerful One, totally self-sufficient, absolute ruler, and the One who can and does make final disposition. The Septuagint  (Greek translation of the Old Testament) has adapted this meaning; it translates ’El Shaddai as Pantokrator, the “All-Ruler” or “Sovereign One.” 
 
So, there you have it.  I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions.  In the meantime, let's go back to the Genesis passage we looked at yesterday.  In Genesis 17, God says to Abram, "I am God Almighty."  Think back over the passage you read yesterday, read it again if you want to refresh your memory, and then consider the following questions:

• When did God reveal Himself to Abram as El Shaddai?
• What was Abram struggling to believe?
• How old was he?
• Why did Abram have to wait almost 25 years for God to fulfill His promise?
• It has been said that God often does not show us His omnipotence until He shows us our impotence.  Do you agree or disagree?  Explain your answer.

Here's a thought to ponder.  Abram was not given license to live life as he planned.  Instead he was told to leave his home country and go to a land that God would show him.  So, he went out, not knowing where he was going.  He was told to walk before God and be blameless.  In other words, he was to reflect the character of the One who called him.  What about you and me?  There's a challenge for us today!  Do our thoughts, our words, our attitudes, our actions reflect the One who has called us?

One final application thought to ponder. What promises might you be struggling to believe?  Recall to your mind this truth......that God is El Shaddai.  Then run to the strong tower of that name!

Our Strong Tower

We're learning that the name of the Lord is a strong tower.  We're learning that we can run to that strong tower and be safe.  So far we have learned to run to the strong tower of Elohim, our Creator God.  We have learned that we are created in His image and that we are created to bring Him glory.  We have learned to run into the strong tower of El Elyon, our sovereign God, the One who sovereignly rules the universe and has everything under control.  We have learned to run into the strong tower of El Roi, the God who sees.  He is the one who is omnipresent - He is present everywhere, and He is the one who is omniscient - who knows it all.  Today we will begin to learn how to run to the strong tower of El Shaddai, sometimes translated God Almighty and sometimes as the All-Sufficient One.  We'll deal with that in greater detail later.

Let's begin here.  Read the following Scriptures.  See what you can learn about El Shaddi, and then we'll begin digging deeper tomorrow.....

• Genesis 17:1-8
• 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Can You Relate?

We looked yesterday at Genesis 16 and the situation in which Hagar found herself.  And I'm wondering today if you can relate to Hagar on any level.  Maybe you aren't in the exact same circumstances as Hagar....probably not!  But have you ever felt alone, or rejected, or confused, or hopeless?  If so, then Hagar's story probably is one to which you can relate.  We have learned in our study that "the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runs into it and is safe."  Today we are focusing on running into the strong tower of the God who sees.

Yesterday we read the story of Hagar.  Hagar's life was hard.  When our life is too hard, we can find strength in discovering what Hagar discovered.  The Lord is "the God who sees me."  He is aware of our pain, of our need, of every circumstance of our lives.  He sees us and He sees our future as well.  This gives us hope even when our circumstances may be difficult.

Let's review what we learned from Genesis 16:

• what was Sarai's response to God's delay?  (verse 2.....she took matters into her own hands.)
• what was Hagar's response when she had conceived?  (verses 4-5)
• what was Sarai's reaction?  (verse 5)  (Have you ever played the "blame game"?)
• what was the result?

The result is the place where we find ourselves relating most to Hagar.  She was in despair, hopeless, alone, pregnant, rejected, cast out.......definitely adverse circumstances.  While our circumstances are not identical, we have probably all at one time or another - and perhaps on multiple occasions - experienced adverse circumstances.

Look up the following Scriptures and note what you learn about God.......what does He watch over, how much does He see, how much does He care.  Note your findings in your notebook or journal.  If you have the time, use your word study tools to find additional references to add to the list.

• Psalm 34:15-18
• Psalm 55:22
• Romans 8:31
• Jeremiah 1:12
• Psalm 139:7-12
• Matthew 10:29-31
• Exodus 3:7

What difference does it make to you today to know God as El Roi, the God who sees?  Think about that and we'll continue tomorrow.

"For a man's ways are before the eyes of the Lord, and He watches all his paths."  (Proverbs 5:21)

Does Anybody Care?

Do you ever wonder if anybody really knows you at all?  Does anybody care about what's going on in your life?  Do you even matter at all?  And the answer is "yes"!

In our study of the names of God, we have learned about Elohim, our Creator.  We have studied the sovereignty of our God as we studied His name El Elyon.  Today we begin to examine another of His names.  He is omnipresent - present everywhere.  He is omniscient - all knowing.  He is El Roi, the God who sees.

We'll begin our study in Genesis 16.  Take some time to slow down and read the chapter carefully.  This may be a familiar story to you, which is all the more reason we should slow down and take our time so we don't miss anything!  Ask questions of the text......remember those 5Ws and H.....who, what, when, where, why, how.  Here are some questions to consider.  You may think of others as well.

• Who are the main characters in this chapter?
• What are the circumstances?
• Whose idea?
• Why?
• Did Hagar have a choice in this decision?  Why or why not?  Explain your reasoning.
• What provoked Sarai?
• How did she respond?
• Was Hagar totally innocent?  Why?
• What were God's instructions to Hagar?
• What did Hagar learn about God?

Think about those things today.  We'll continue tomorrow.

Will You Join Me?

"If my people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray, and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."  (2 Chronicles 7:14)

If you came to this blog this morning expecting to find the next installment of our Bible study on the names of God, I'm going to invite you to come back tomorrow!  Today I'm interrupting our study to share my heart with you on a different subject.

For some time now I have been so burdened about our country.  Now before you write me off as some wacky conservative, let me clarify a few things.  I don't care if you live in a red state or a blue state.  I am not particularly interested in what political label you wear.  You can call yourself Democrat or Republican or Libertarian or Independent......that makes no difference to me.  It's not my issue!  Nor do I care what denominational label you choose to wear.  Again, that is not my issue.  My concern is that I see the country that I love wandering farther and farther away from the standards we have held dear since our founding......farther and farther away from Biblical principles......from doing things God's way.  I believe we are on a slippery slope to destruction.

I've done a lot of reading lately in the Old Testament.  I've seen how the children of Israel wandered away from the commands God gave them.  And I've read about the consequences for that disobedience.  Spend a little time in the Old Testament and you'll see what I mean!  Now I'm not saying that Americans are the "chosen people".  And I'm not saying that every American is a Christian.  But I am saying that this country is in trouble.

We're in deep economic trouble, but I don't believe that the answer to our problems is economic.  Our government is spending money by the truckload - money we don't have, by the way!  But I don't believe the solution is a political one!  We hear a lot about peace talks and the peace process.  But I don't believe that peace is a process.  Peace is a Person, and His name is Jesus!

In addition to my Old Testament reading, I've done a lot of reading about revival,  I've read about the Great Awakenings in our history.  And I believe it's time to be praying for another Great Awakening!  It's time for us to wake up!

I've read recently about the Welsh Revival of 1904-1905......a revival that began with one person!  One article I read gave an interesting statistic......at the time the article was written, the city of Chicago had a population of 9 million people.  The author stated that if God were to move in the city of Chicago in the same way He moved during the Welsh Revival, then 14 million people would be revived!!

I've read about the Fulton Street Revival in New York City in the 1850s.  One man started praying.  More than a million lives were changed!

What would happen today if we would just pray?  This is my burden.  Over and over this last week I am confronted with this thought.  Every day last week I came across this verse at some time during the day....."will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You?" (Psalm 85:6).  I'm convinced this is what we need to be praying for......purposefully, intentionally praying for our country, praying for revival.  I'm convinced it's time to take 2 Chronicles 7:14 seriously.  It's time to humble ourselves, seek God's face, turn from our wicked ways and pray.

I found myself wondering how I could make a difference.  If I commit myself to purposeful, intentional praying for my country, will I make a difference?  I began to wonder if that would be enough.  Could one person make a difference?  Even though I knew other great workings of God had begun because one person was obedient to pray, I found myself doubting.  And wondering how to get others to pray with me.  So, today I'm asking you to join me.  If you have read this far, you are at least mildly interested in what this is all about.  Will you join me in purposefully, intentionally praying for our country?  You may choose to pray alone in your home, or you may want to pray with your spouse or with a friend, or to start a prayer group in your neighborhood.  If you live locally to me and would like to get together with me to pray, will you let me know?

Once I had made my commitment to prayer for our country and for revival, I saw a message from Dr. Charles Stanley on this same subject.  Not only did it confirm what I was doing, but it was also such an encouragement to me as well.  He is calling people to prayer for this same purpose!  You can find out more at http://www.intouch.org/.

So, will you join me?  Will you pray?  Together I believe we can make a difference!!

Let's Review!

As we close out the week, let's review what we've learned.  Review is a good thing!  It helps us remember! We have focused our attention this week on El Elyon, God Most High, the name of God that shows us His sovereignty.  Sovereignty is defined as supreme power; freedom from external control.  In other words, when we think about the sovereignty of God, we see Him as the ultimate authority over every sphere and place.  All creation is subject to Him and answerable to Him.

Let's begin by reviewing some of the verses where we saw God's sovereignty demonstrated:

• Daniel 4:34...His dominion (supreme authority) is everlasting
• Daniel 4:35...No one can ward off His hand or question what He does
• Luke:22:31,32; Job 1:8-12; Job 2:3-7...God places limits on Satan, who can go no farther than God allows.
• Isaiah14:24,27...Isaiah (although using the name Jehovah Sabaoth) clearly describes God's sovereignty.  What God intends will happen.  What He plans will stand.  No one can frustrate His plans.
• Isaiah 46:9-10...God Himself testifies that He is absolutely sovereign.

So, knowing all this, what conclusions should we draw if we truly believe that God is El Elyon, Sovereign Ruler over everything?  How does this enable us to view the name of the Lord as a "strong tower", one we can run to and be safe?

By definition, sovereign means He is in charge of ALL the universe ALL the time.  Many years ago I read a book titled "Your God Is Too Small" by J. B. Phillips.  The title says it all.....our view of God is often too small.  Have you learned anything this week that has helped you to have a better view of God, to know Him better?  What have we learned this week about what God is sovereign over?

• Daniel 2:20-23.....over times and epochs (history); over kings (rulers and governments); over wisdom and knowledge; over hidden things; over the darkness.
• Isaiah 5:5-7.....over a nation's "hedge of protection"
• Deuteronomy 32:39.....over life and death
• Isaiah 46:9-10.....over the future.  Remember, NOTHING happens outside His control.  He rules over ALL things.
• Genesis 14:19....heaven and earth.

So, if we really believe that El Elyon is sovereign, then how does it affect our thinking about:

• our present circumstances?
• the past?
• our future?
• the economy?
• the government?

And knowing all this, believing it to be true, what difference does it make in my life?  Here are a few points to stimulate your thinking:

• Truth can set you free (John 8:32; John 17:17; Romans 12:2).  The truth is that El Elyon does His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth.  How does knowing that affect your daily living?  How does it affect your worship?
• God is in control.  Even if there are problems in my life, God has permitted them.  How does this affect the way you approach each day?
• Through it all, remember that Jesus is praying for you!  Romans 8:34 tells us that He intercedes for us!  Intercedes is present tense, meaning continuous action.  What difference does that make to you today?
• Remember that the Scripture teaches us that God is in control of all of history.  How does this impact your thinking about current situations in our world and what the future holds?  How does it impact your behavior? 
• To know God as El Elyon, sovereign over everything is empowering.  If you truly believe He is in control, you can be content, even in the midst of less-than-ideal circumstances.  You can know without doubt that "all things work together for good" (Romans 8:28).  You can truly "give thanks in all things" (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Remember the story of Joseph?  He was sold by his brothers, falsely accused by Mrs. Potiphar, and thrown into prison.  But what was his response?  Read Genesis 50:20 if you need to refresh your memory.  Joseph knew that God had a purpose, and we can know that, too.

This has been a great week of study, hasn't it?  I hope that digging into these Scriptures has blessed you as much as it has blessed me.  I'm so glad we are taking this journey together!  Next week our journey will take us to El Roi, the God Who sees.  Until then, keep trusting El Elyon.  He as everything under control!
"This is my Father's world, O let me ne'er forget, that though the wrong is oft so strong, God is the Ruler yet."  (M. D. Babcock)

Some Questions.....

Our focus this week is on the sovereignty of God. As we continue our study in the weeks to come, we will look at names that show us some other characteristics of His attributes and His nature. We’ll see truths that will balance this truth. But today we’re seeing that He is the One who is in control. How does personal responsbility fit into that picture?  Does the fact that God is sovereign mean that I'm just a puppet?  Let's think about that today and put this into perspective.
First, let's review some of what we've learned so far:

• Daniel 4:34-35....."He does according to His will in the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of earth and no one can ward off His hand or say to Him, 'What hast Thou done?' "
• Isaiah 14:24....."The LORD of hosts has sworn saying, 'Surely just as I have intended so it has happened and just as I have planned so it will stand'."
• Isaiah 46:11....."Truly I will bring it to pass.  I have planned it, surely I will do it."
• Luke 22:31....."Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat."

We have seen from these verses and others we have examined that God is in control, that nothing happens without His permission.  How does that impact your daily life?  What difference does that make when it comes to obeying some of the instructions we find in the New Testament, such as Ephesians 5:20....."always giving thanks for all things."

Is it easier, or is it more difficult, to give thanks in all things, or to rejoice always, or to pray without ceasing, when you realize that El Elyon is in control and nothing can happen without His permission?  Knowing that our God and Father, El Elyon, is sovereign over ALL things, does that make it easier to give thanks in all things, knowing that He "causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose."  (Romans 8:28).

Here's your challenge for today......think back over all you have learned this week about the sovereignty of God.  Read the Scriptures again.  You might want to use your word study tools to find additional references that show us the sovereignty of God.  Then think about these questions and how you would answer them:

• How would you explain the sovereignty of God to another person? 
• How would you explain the meaning of El Elyon? 
• What have you learned about El Elyon that makes a difference to you in whatever circumstances you are finding yourself today? 
• As you look at the world around you - in your home, your city, your country - how does knowing God as El Elyon, the Most High God, help you to deal with, to give thanks in those circumstances? 
• How is El Elyon at work in your life today?