This study has taken me a while of research and has opened my eyes even further to see what a magnificent God we serve.
Over the years there have been many words that I have thought I knew the meaning of. However, when I began to really study to understand, I found out that the words have far deeper meaning than I ever would have known without studying..... this is one of them....
E.
El Shaddai
El Shaddai is generally translated "God Almighty", however, that description only begins to scrape the surface of this Name of God.
It is important to understand what "Name of" means. It is far more than just what some one calls you, which could merely mean nothing more than saying, "Hey, Cat" to a stray cat walking around.
When someone speaks the "Name of" someone they know well and intimately, that "Name" encompasses their identity, their background, personality, characteristics and qualities about them that others who don't know them well, yet, may not know. Their "Name" speaks of "Who" that person really is. Things that no one can take away from them. Their "Name" points to ways that are unique to them. It identifies things that hold within it the understanding of how that person behaves, responds or reacts One might say, "that person is trustworthy, faithful, reliable, patient and kind.....she is such a sweetie, you will really like her, I always can count on her. Her name is:...."
So, when God identifies Himself with certain names throughout the Bible, that "Name" is far more than just a title to call Him by. That "Name" encompasses far reaching depths of "Who He Is"! That is why simply translating "El Shaddai" to only "God Almighty" is no where near sufficient enough. That is my explanation, so far, hope it makes sense.
Now, let's look at the "Name" El Shaddai, a little deeper. This is a valuable search, because these explanations help us to understand more completely "Who Our God Is".
El Shaddai:
"El" is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character.
It is believed that Shaddai comes from the word "Shad", which means: "the breasty one". This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying his people with all their needs as a mother would her child Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing. He is our Sustainer.
The first time El Shaddai is used is found in Genesis 17:1-2, "and when Abram was 99 years old, the Lord (Jehovah) appeared to Abram, and said to him, I am the Almighty God (El Shaddai); and be perfect. And I will make my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you exceedingly.
The Name - El Shaddai also reveals God as a Covenant keeping, Promise keeping God
God Almighty - review "Who IS Your God - 1 ???!!!"
Often when we think about God Almighty, we connect that aspect of God with Maker of Heaven and Earth, we think of the great and amazing miracles He did in the Bible. We think of all that was done to make a way for us to come back into relationship with Him, to be forgiven, redeemed and made righteous through Christ. These are all true and magnificent, but add on to the "Mighty" aspect of who God is and see Him as your Nourisher, Sustainer and Promise Keeping, Covenant Keeping God.
Bring our "Mighty God" into our daily walk with Him and see Him additionally as our Covenant Keeping, Promise Keeping Nourisher and Sustaining God. Ponder these promises of God's nourishment and sustainance:
Psalm 91:14-15 - The LORD says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.
Psalm 55:22 - Cast your burden on the LORD [release it] and He will sustain and uphold you; He will never allow the righteous to be shaken (slip, fall, fail).
Isaiah 40:29 - Behold, God is my helper and ally; The Lord is the sustainer of my soul [my upholder].
1 Peter 5:9 - casting all your cares [all your anxieties, all your worries, and all your concerns, once and for all] on Him, for He cares about you [with deepest affection, and watches over you very carefully].
Do you see the promises and the guarantee of sustainance that God gives us. It is so important that we take God at His Word and realize He cannot lie, His Word is true and He will fulfill His promises to us. Stop attempting to do it alone, leaving only the "Mighty" things up to God. Stop attempting to be Self-Sufficient because El Shaddai also means that God is our:
All Sufficient One - I have been pondering that one for a while now.
Ephesians 4:6 - one God and Father of us all who is [sovereign] over all and [working] through all and [living] in all.
1 Corinthians 15:28 - However, when all things are subjected to Him (Christ), then the Son Himself will also be subjected to the One (the Father) who put all things under Him, so that God may be all in all [manifesting His glory without any opposition, the supreme indwelling and controlling factor of life].
2 Corinthians 9:8 - And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.
Psalm 57:2 -
Bereans Study Bible - I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills His purpose for me.
Question: What is lacking in "All"? He IS our ALL Sufficient One.
All Sufficient definition - sufficient (meeting all that is needed) to everything; infinitely able.
More Than Enough
Ephesians 3:20 - Now to Him who is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us,
Luke 6:38 - Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together, and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
Jeremiah 32:7 - “I am the LORD, the God of all the peoples of the world. Is anything too hard for me?
Luke 1:37 -
English Standard VersionFor nothing will be impossible with God.”
Berean Study Bible
For no word from God will ever fail.”
No comments:
Post a Comment