This might be a tough lesson/reading for you to ‘tackle.’
As you work through the names and character of God, there may be areas that you discover will be challenging ~ or even don’t like about God. That is ok, He understands that~confess that feeling that you may have about Who He is, and allow the Holy Spirit to minister to you as you get to know more and more about God.
God The Most High ~ EL ELYON
When EL is combined with the Hebrew term Elyon, the compound connection refers to God as the Highest or the Most. The literal translation is Most Exalted High God. In other words, El Elyon tells us God is high above everything else, including our enemies or any problems that cause us pain. (Tony Evans)
Another way to describe God’s superior authority is to say that God is Sovereign, which means that God is the independent, supreme ruler of the universe.
He is the strongest of the Strong.
El Elyon brought the universe into existence by HIS power and HIS design. He governs with power and authority, over our world and history itself. He will bring it to a close in His time and His way.
Nothing will thwart His ultimate plans and purposes, for He is God Most High
In Psalm 57: 2-3, David speaks about his trust in El Elyon.
“I will cry to God Most High (El Elyon)
To God who accomplishes ALL things for me.
He will send from heaven and save me;
He reproaches him who tramples upon me.
God will send forth His lovingkindness and His truth.”
If God is not Sovereign, if He is not in control, if ALL things are not under His dominion, then He is not the Most High, and we are either in the hands of fate, or in the hands of man, or in the hands of the devil. (Author unknown)
God’s plan will continue on God’s schedule.
A. W. Tozer
EL ELYON
He existed before anything else.
He created all things
He sustains all things
He is above all things
He knows all things
He can do whatever He pleases
He orchestrates all things
He rules over all things
He is in control of all things
Read the verses below and write down Who or What El Elyon is Sovereign over ~~ OR what we are to do…
(FYI ~ these were taken from the English Standard Version)
Psalm 7:17
Psalm 9:2
Psalm 78:35
Psalm 83:18
Psalm 91:1, 2, 4, 9
Psalm 97:9
Isaiah 45:5-7
Isaiah 46:9-10
Isaiah 55:8-9
2. From the above verses, what common thread is woven through them?
3. Was there a verse that spoke to your heart, and if so which one?
Suggested Memory Verse Psalm 91:1
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of The Almighty.”
El Elyon ~ Reflection
1. How does it make you feel to know that God is Sovereign, having complete power and authority over everything and everyone?
2. What are the things about El Elyon that attract you and for which you are immediately grateful?
3. What are some things about El Elyon that give you pause?
Acknowledging God as Sovereign over all, with all authority and power over everything and everyone can be a sobering truth if we have a tendency to be self-reliant or proud. However, it can also be a very comforting truth if we are in need of security, protection, justice, or are in the midst of suffering.
Even when things seem to go very wrong, God is in control and nothing will thwart His ultimate plans and purposes.
There is no wrong or evil that is more powerful than El Elyon–Most High God.
There is no person or heart He can’t change and no circumstance He can’t use for His purposes and work for good in your life.
Nothing is impossible for the Most High God.
All things are always under His control. We may not see where our circumstances are leading or how it will all turn out – but God does!
And He promises to keep us safe and secure in the meantime.
We are protected by Most High God!
Spend some time alone with God ~ Thank Him for His Name of El Elyon ~ God Most High.
The study today is only two of the five for this specific area of God’s Names.
The balance of understanding El Elyon ~ God Most High deals with His Sovereignty over life, death, and suffering.
If you are interested in studying those areas deeper, please let me know and I can chat with you. Those areas can be painful, and ought to be studied together.
Finally, a quote from Elisabeth Elliot on suffering….
“I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
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