Genesis 14:17-23 October 5, 2008
The Names of God, Part 3
“No Higher Power”
Rev. Meagan Boozer
If you’re just joining us for the first time ever, or the first time in several weeks, you should know that we are in the middle of a sermon series based on the different names of God that are revealed to us in the Bible. Sermon copies from the last several weeks should be available in the racks by the sanctuary entrances, and they are always available on our website several days after the Sunday the sermon is preached. It continues to be my prayer that as we learn the names of God we will come to know God in a more personal way, and come to love him and want to glorify him in every part of our lives. Please pray with me before we open the Word together:
Heavenly Father, Elohim – our Creator, we come seeking to know more about you. There are some things we know, some things we understand by faith – but there is so much about you that we do not know. Teach us. Pull back the curtain and show us more of your awesomeness – so that we will fall before you – grateful and whole. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
In addiction recovery programs, whether we’re talking about alcohol addiction, narcotic addiction, sexual addiction, gambling addiction recovery programs, etc., often there is what is known as the “12 Step Recovery.” “12 Step” programs have a strong emphasis on the need for a ‘higher power’ – literally a power that is greater than the addict. On a couple of different websites, I found some ‘talk’ about a ‘higher power.’
Here’s a testimony from someone on the AA website: “My Higher Power has got a sense of humor that is incredible. She is perfectly willing to help me battle this addiction, but make no mistakes, it is my battle to win, daily, or lose, daily. I had a dream, and in this dream I was standing in a field. I was surrounded by evil looking canine like creatures… I had a staff of wood, and behind me was my Higher Power. I was fending off these creatures as well as I could, and She was helping, supporting me, healing wounds inflicted by the beasts, protecting my back. Eventually the creatures were defeated and ran off into the woods. She helped me, but I had to do the work. This occurred in a dream, and I feel it was symbolic of my struggle, not only with the addiction, but with the underlying monsters in my subconscious. The important thing for me to remember about my Higher Power is that if I don't care enough to be actively fighting this thing then She will not lift a finger to help me. It’s the whole free will thing, I think.” (This falls into that cliché, “God helps those who help themselves,” which is not biblical truth. God helps those who realize that apart from God they can do nothing!)
On a different site I read this: “As a newcomer, you said, "What's this God-talk? I came here to stop using cocaine, not to join a new religion." Don't feel alone. Many of us were put off with the talk about God when we first came to meetings. It is easy enough to confuse the word spirituality with religion. As it relates to God, Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious one. In C.A., we believe each individual can choose a Higher Power of his or her own. In short, a God of his or her own understanding.”
In the 14th chapter of the book of Genesis, we come across a new name for God. Please turn there, and let’s take a look at the first 2 verses together: In the days of King Amraphel of Shinar, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim, these kings made war with King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). (Wow, what names!)
For 12 years, the latter group of 5 kings was under the power of the first group of 4 kings listed – and finally the latter group decided they had had enough. War broke out between the two groups. In those days, this would have been like a world war! The outcome of the war was the
re-establishment of the supremacy and authority of the 4-king group; they were the clear victors, and they were undoubtedly obnoxious as they basked in their own strength and power. There was one problem though – one big mistake: When they conquered the territories of the 5 kings, they took whatever, and whomever they wanted to take as pillage – and they took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother. Now, I’m talking about Abram, who would later be given the name Abraham, who was chosen by God to be the ancestor of a multitude of people, more numerous than the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore. Taking a relative of Abram as hostage wasn’t the best decision made by the 4 arrogant kings. Let’s return to verse 13:
“Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner; these were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred eighteen of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and routed them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, and the women and the people.”
Abram was a shepherd with no real experienced soldiers and no big powerful weapons. All he had were 318 servants who helped him with the sheep, who probably had no more than swords, spears, and bows that they used to defend themselves from thieves and robbers. Abram had no ambitions to enter into war and become king himself. Abram wasn’t looking to take over territories to build an empire for himself. Abram had two things that drove him to act: his love for his nephew, Lot, and his faith that God would give him victory. Verse 15 tells us that Abram and his men ‘routed’ the kings’ forces. Other translations say, “attacked.” The word ‘routed’ means to have your enemies running scared. Abram and his rag-tag group of 318 shepherds routed 4 arrogant kings and their armies! Amazing!
How was he able to do this? Abram and his men were able to conquer the big boys because El Elyon – the Most High God, who is greater than all earthly kings and all gods of our own making, including any ‘higher powers’ we choose to bow to – El Elyon gave Abram and his men the victory. Look at verse 17 now with me:
“After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
Every time we have the translation ‘God Most High’ or ‘Most High God,’ in the beautiful original language of the Old Testament, we are looking at the Hebrew name, El Elyon. El Elyon is not just some nebulous higher power like we heard about earlier. El Elyon is THE HIGHEST POWER, the Most High God, superior over all, even over the most powerful rulers of the earth.
Let me remind you of the story in the book of Daniel of the great king Nebuchadnezzar, who in the 6th and 7th centuries B.C., had built up a mighty empire that stretched across the whole Middle east – the greatest empire in the world at that time. The capital city of Babylon was the premier city of the world! Nebuchadnezzar, like the other kings we talked about already today, thought very highly of himself. Take a look with me into chapter 4 of the book of Daniel, “At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king said, “Is this not magnificent Babylon, which I have built as a royal capital by my mighty power and for my glorious majesty?” While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: The kingdom has departed from you! You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen, and seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals and gives it to whom he will.” Immediately the sentence was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven away from human society, ate grass like oxen, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails became like birds’ claws.”
How long was the judgment on Nebuchadnezzar going to last? Until he learned that El Elyon is the Highest Power! (It is interesting to note that in the records of Babylon that were kept during Nebuchadnezzar’s lifetime there is a period of time of at least 4 years when his name is strangely absent from the records. What were the records going to record – that the great king was out grazing in the fields?)
The God of the Bible IS the ultimate supreme ruler of all nations, of every king and ruler in the world. Every ruler receives his/her right to rule from El Elyon alone, and must be subject to him. Every government that has power in the world, can only be in power because El Elyon grants it the right to have authority for a season. Not one can stay in power longer than El Elyon permits. The outcome of every war is determined by El Elyon. The outcome of every election is determined by El Elyon to fulfill the plans God has put into place until the time of the new Heaven and the new Earth. Does that mean we don’t have to pay attention? Does that mean there’s no point in voting? What do you think? How is it that God’s will is expressed in the world? What do you know of your civic responsibility as a follower of Christ?
But we’ve left poor Nebuchadnezzar in a pretty bad state. Let’s return to verse 34: “When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does what he wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, “What are you doing?” At that time my reason returned to me; and my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom. My counselors and my lords sought me out, I was re-established over my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are truth, and his ways are justice; and he is able to bring low those who walk in pride.”
There are times in our lives when we cannot understand why God allows certain things to happen to us or to the people we love. Romans 8:28 tells us, “God works all things together for good for those who love God and who are called according to His purposes.” We try to believe this. But what good can there be, we wonder, in fuel prices that are making it hard for us to buy food, food prices that are making it hard for us to pay the electric bill. What good can there be in a child dying, in a diagnosis of cancer, in broken marriages, in a barren womb, in school shootings, in the battle of addictions? What good can there be in allowing us to fail?
Usually in the midst of the hard stuff, it is very difficult to see the good. When our heads are bowed low in grief and sorrow, it is impossible to see the love in the eyes of El Elyon. When we have our eyes on our own mess, we cannot see God’s pathway through the mess. I believe that trusting El Elyon is a matter of determined faith, and I believe trusting El Elyon as the one who truly holds the whole world in his capable hands, brings peace and courage to our chaotic lives. He is sovereign, the supreme ruler over all, in all, and through all. Abram didn’t allow a lack of understanding, uncertainty and fear to keep him from doing what he could to save his family. Daniel didn’t allow doubt and fear to push him to his knees to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s gods – and the result was that God used Daniel’s strength of faith and character to help bring Nebuchadnezzar to the moment of lifting his own eyes unto El Elyon – restoring his sanity and his greatness, and his authority as king.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we approach this table today, may I present to you a challenge above all challenges – a most high challenge?
If you believe that the God of the Bible isn’t just some ‘higher power,’ but is THE Highest Power who sent his son Jesus Christ to bring salvation from certain eternal punishment in hell, if you believe this is true, than that means (it really means) that the people in your life who don’t know or accept the gift of salvation from Jesus are going to receive a far worse judgment than Nebuchadnezzar ever received.
Fear didn’t stop Abram; faith empowered him. Fear didn’t stop Daniel; faith empowered him. Will fear stop us from inviting the non-churchgoing people in our lives to come to church with us next Sunday – your spouse, your adult children, your grandchildren, your neighbor, your friends, your grandparents, and the people who work alongside you? I’ve spoken to many of you who haven’t invited anyone yet because you have already decided you know the answer you will receive. “Oh, they’d never come to church with me.” “They’re not church types.” What’s a church type?
Folks, El Elyon, the Most High God, has placed you in the lives of the people around you. Please don’t give in to the fear of being turned down, the fear of upsetting someone, the fear of being labeled a “religious fanatic.” If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you hold the key to abundant life on earth and eternal life in Heaven in your heart. You hold the key. Are we like Jonah who didn’t want to share the good news of God’s grace?
“Hey Joe, you know I go to church on Sundays, right? Well, I wanted to tell you that I go to church because it helps me as I try to figure out life, and I really enjoy being with other people who are trying to figure it out too. I have a great church family, and I really miss them when I can’t go on a Sunday. Well anyway, I was hoping that you might come with me this coming Sunday. We’re having a special “pack the church” Sunday, and I’d really like to bring you! I know it’s weird and hard to go the first time, but I really think you’d enjoy it, and I’d be proud to have you with me. Can I pick you up?”
El Elyon is worthy of the steps of faith we take each day. El Elyon, just like Elohim, knows you, can sustain you, can give you the words to say and the courage to say them. El Elyon cares about you, and can be trusted to bring his plan into being through you as we say, “Here I am, God Most High. Send me.”
As we come to the Table of our Lord, let us like Nebuchadnezzar, humble ourselves and raise our eyes toward Heaven. Let us bless the Most High God, and praise and honor the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. Amen.
The Names of God, Part 3
“No Higher Power”
Rev. Meagan Boozer
If you’re just joining us for the first time ever, or the first time in several weeks, you should know that we are in the middle of a sermon series based on the different names of God that are revealed to us in the Bible. Sermon copies from the last several weeks should be available in the racks by the sanctuary entrances, and they are always available on our website several days after the Sunday the sermon is preached. It continues to be my prayer that as we learn the names of God we will come to know God in a more personal way, and come to love him and want to glorify him in every part of our lives. Please pray with me before we open the Word together:
Heavenly Father, Elohim – our Creator, we come seeking to know more about you. There are some things we know, some things we understand by faith – but there is so much about you that we do not know. Teach us. Pull back the curtain and show us more of your awesomeness – so that we will fall before you – grateful and whole. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.
In addiction recovery programs, whether we’re talking about alcohol addiction, narcotic addiction, sexual addiction, gambling addiction recovery programs, etc., often there is what is known as the “12 Step Recovery.” “12 Step” programs have a strong emphasis on the need for a ‘higher power’ – literally a power that is greater than the addict. On a couple of different websites, I found some ‘talk’ about a ‘higher power.’
Here’s a testimony from someone on the AA website: “My Higher Power has got a sense of humor that is incredible. She is perfectly willing to help me battle this addiction, but make no mistakes, it is my battle to win, daily, or lose, daily. I had a dream, and in this dream I was standing in a field. I was surrounded by evil looking canine like creatures… I had a staff of wood, and behind me was my Higher Power. I was fending off these creatures as well as I could, and She was helping, supporting me, healing wounds inflicted by the beasts, protecting my back. Eventually the creatures were defeated and ran off into the woods. She helped me, but I had to do the work. This occurred in a dream, and I feel it was symbolic of my struggle, not only with the addiction, but with the underlying monsters in my subconscious. The important thing for me to remember about my Higher Power is that if I don't care enough to be actively fighting this thing then She will not lift a finger to help me. It’s the whole free will thing, I think.” (This falls into that cliché, “God helps those who help themselves,” which is not biblical truth. God helps those who realize that apart from God they can do nothing!)
On a different site I read this: “As a newcomer, you said, "What's this God-talk? I came here to stop using cocaine, not to join a new religion." Don't feel alone. Many of us were put off with the talk about God when we first came to meetings. It is easy enough to confuse the word spirituality with religion. As it relates to God, Cocaine Anonymous is a spiritual program, not a religious one. In C.A., we believe each individual can choose a Higher Power of his or her own. In short, a God of his or her own understanding.”
In the 14th chapter of the book of Genesis, we come across a new name for God. Please turn there, and let’s take a look at the first 2 verses together: In the days of King Amraphel of Shinar, King Arioch of Ellasar, King Chedorlaomer of Elam, and King Tidal of Goiim, these kings made war with King Bera of Sodom, King Birsha of Gomorrah, King Shinab of Admah, King Shemeber of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (that is, Zoar). (Wow, what names!)
For 12 years, the latter group of 5 kings was under the power of the first group of 4 kings listed – and finally the latter group decided they had had enough. War broke out between the two groups. In those days, this would have been like a world war! The outcome of the war was the
re-establishment of the supremacy and authority of the 4-king group; they were the clear victors, and they were undoubtedly obnoxious as they basked in their own strength and power. There was one problem though – one big mistake: When they conquered the territories of the 5 kings, they took whatever, and whomever they wanted to take as pillage – and they took Lot, the son of Abram’s brother. Now, I’m talking about Abram, who would later be given the name Abraham, who was chosen by God to be the ancestor of a multitude of people, more numerous than the stars in the sky and the sands on the seashore. Taking a relative of Abram as hostage wasn’t the best decision made by the 4 arrogant kings. Let’s return to verse 13:
“Then one who had escaped came and told Abram the Hebrew, who was living by the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol and of Aner; these were allies of Abram. When Abram heard that his nephew had been taken captive, he led forth his trained men, born in his house, three hundred eighteen of them, and went in pursuit as far as Dan. He divided his forces against them by night, he and his servants, and routed them and pursued them to Hobah, north of Damascus. Then he brought back all the goods, and also brought back his nephew Lot with his goods, and the women and the people.”
Abram was a shepherd with no real experienced soldiers and no big powerful weapons. All he had were 318 servants who helped him with the sheep, who probably had no more than swords, spears, and bows that they used to defend themselves from thieves and robbers. Abram had no ambitions to enter into war and become king himself. Abram wasn’t looking to take over territories to build an empire for himself. Abram had two things that drove him to act: his love for his nephew, Lot, and his faith that God would give him victory. Verse 15 tells us that Abram and his men ‘routed’ the kings’ forces. Other translations say, “attacked.” The word ‘routed’ means to have your enemies running scared. Abram and his rag-tag group of 318 shepherds routed 4 arrogant kings and their armies! Amazing!
How was he able to do this? Abram and his men were able to conquer the big boys because El Elyon – the Most High God, who is greater than all earthly kings and all gods of our own making, including any ‘higher powers’ we choose to bow to – El Elyon gave Abram and his men the victory. Look at verse 17 now with me:
“After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High. He blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, maker of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!”
Every time we have the translation ‘God Most High’ or ‘Most High God,’ in the beautiful original language of the Old Testament, we are looking at the Hebrew name, El Elyon. El Elyon is not just some nebulous higher power like we heard about earlier. El Elyon is THE HIGHEST POWER, the Most High God, superior over all, even over the most powerful rulers of the earth.
Let me remind you of the story in the book of Daniel of the great king Nebuchadnezzar, who in the 6th and 7th centuries B.C., had built up a mighty empire that stretched across the whole Middle east – the greatest empire in the world at that time. The capital city of Babylon was the premier city of the world! Nebuchadnezzar, like the other kings we talked about already today, thought very highly of himself. Take a look with me into chapter 4 of the book of Daniel, “At the end of twelve months he was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, and the king said, “Is this not magnificent Babylon, which I have built as a royal capital by my mighty power and for my glorious majesty?” While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is declared: The kingdom has departed from you! You shall be driven away from human society, and your dwelling shall be with the animals of the field. You shall be made to eat grass like oxen, and seven times shall pass over you, until you have learned that the Most High has sovereignty over the kingdom of mortals and gives it to whom he will.” Immediately the sentence was fulfilled against Nebuchadnezzar. He was driven away from human society, ate grass like oxen, and his body was bathed with the dew of heaven, until his hair grew as long as eagles’ feathers and his nails became like birds’ claws.”
How long was the judgment on Nebuchadnezzar going to last? Until he learned that El Elyon is the Highest Power! (It is interesting to note that in the records of Babylon that were kept during Nebuchadnezzar’s lifetime there is a period of time of at least 4 years when his name is strangely absent from the records. What were the records going to record – that the great king was out grazing in the fields?)
The God of the Bible IS the ultimate supreme ruler of all nations, of every king and ruler in the world. Every ruler receives his/her right to rule from El Elyon alone, and must be subject to him. Every government that has power in the world, can only be in power because El Elyon grants it the right to have authority for a season. Not one can stay in power longer than El Elyon permits. The outcome of every war is determined by El Elyon. The outcome of every election is determined by El Elyon to fulfill the plans God has put into place until the time of the new Heaven and the new Earth. Does that mean we don’t have to pay attention? Does that mean there’s no point in voting? What do you think? How is it that God’s will is expressed in the world? What do you know of your civic responsibility as a follower of Christ?
But we’ve left poor Nebuchadnezzar in a pretty bad state. Let’s return to verse 34: “When that period was over, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me. I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does what he wills with the host of heaven and the inhabitants of the earth. There is no one who can stay his hand or say to him, “What are you doing?” At that time my reason returned to me; and my majesty and splendor were restored to me for the glory of my kingdom. My counselors and my lords sought me out, I was re-established over my kingdom, and still more greatness was added to me. Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, for all his works are truth, and his ways are justice; and he is able to bring low those who walk in pride.”
There are times in our lives when we cannot understand why God allows certain things to happen to us or to the people we love. Romans 8:28 tells us, “God works all things together for good for those who love God and who are called according to His purposes.” We try to believe this. But what good can there be, we wonder, in fuel prices that are making it hard for us to buy food, food prices that are making it hard for us to pay the electric bill. What good can there be in a child dying, in a diagnosis of cancer, in broken marriages, in a barren womb, in school shootings, in the battle of addictions? What good can there be in allowing us to fail?
Usually in the midst of the hard stuff, it is very difficult to see the good. When our heads are bowed low in grief and sorrow, it is impossible to see the love in the eyes of El Elyon. When we have our eyes on our own mess, we cannot see God’s pathway through the mess. I believe that trusting El Elyon is a matter of determined faith, and I believe trusting El Elyon as the one who truly holds the whole world in his capable hands, brings peace and courage to our chaotic lives. He is sovereign, the supreme ruler over all, in all, and through all. Abram didn’t allow a lack of understanding, uncertainty and fear to keep him from doing what he could to save his family. Daniel didn’t allow doubt and fear to push him to his knees to worship Nebuchadnezzar’s gods – and the result was that God used Daniel’s strength of faith and character to help bring Nebuchadnezzar to the moment of lifting his own eyes unto El Elyon – restoring his sanity and his greatness, and his authority as king.
Brothers and sisters in Christ, as we approach this table today, may I present to you a challenge above all challenges – a most high challenge?
If you believe that the God of the Bible isn’t just some ‘higher power,’ but is THE Highest Power who sent his son Jesus Christ to bring salvation from certain eternal punishment in hell, if you believe this is true, than that means (it really means) that the people in your life who don’t know or accept the gift of salvation from Jesus are going to receive a far worse judgment than Nebuchadnezzar ever received.
Fear didn’t stop Abram; faith empowered him. Fear didn’t stop Daniel; faith empowered him. Will fear stop us from inviting the non-churchgoing people in our lives to come to church with us next Sunday – your spouse, your adult children, your grandchildren, your neighbor, your friends, your grandparents, and the people who work alongside you? I’ve spoken to many of you who haven’t invited anyone yet because you have already decided you know the answer you will receive. “Oh, they’d never come to church with me.” “They’re not church types.” What’s a church type?
Folks, El Elyon, the Most High God, has placed you in the lives of the people around you. Please don’t give in to the fear of being turned down, the fear of upsetting someone, the fear of being labeled a “religious fanatic.” If you have trusted Jesus as your Savior and Lord, you hold the key to abundant life on earth and eternal life in Heaven in your heart. You hold the key. Are we like Jonah who didn’t want to share the good news of God’s grace?
“Hey Joe, you know I go to church on Sundays, right? Well, I wanted to tell you that I go to church because it helps me as I try to figure out life, and I really enjoy being with other people who are trying to figure it out too. I have a great church family, and I really miss them when I can’t go on a Sunday. Well anyway, I was hoping that you might come with me this coming Sunday. We’re having a special “pack the church” Sunday, and I’d really like to bring you! I know it’s weird and hard to go the first time, but I really think you’d enjoy it, and I’d be proud to have you with me. Can I pick you up?”
El Elyon is worthy of the steps of faith we take each day. El Elyon, just like Elohim, knows you, can sustain you, can give you the words to say and the courage to say them. El Elyon cares about you, and can be trusted to bring his plan into being through you as we say, “Here I am, God Most High. Send me.”
As we come to the Table of our Lord, let us like Nebuchadnezzar, humble ourselves and raise our eyes toward Heaven. Let us bless the Most High God, and praise and honor the one who lives forever. For his sovereignty is an everlasting sovereignty, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. Amen.
