Something in that Name (Gen. 17:1-2)

SPIRITUAL DIARY FOR 07/31/2006

My Worship Time                                                                 Focus:  Something in a Name

Bible Reading & Meditation                                      Reference:  Genesis 17:1-2

            Message of the verse:  “1 Now when Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty; Walk before Me, and be blameless.  2 ‘I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly.’

           

            God now comes again to Abraham after thirteen years of silence and gives Abraham a new name for God when He speaks to Him.  This is the first time that God has used this name for Himself in the Scriptures, and that name is translated as El Shaddai.  This is the meaning that Dr. Wiersbe gives this name of God:  “The all powerful and all-sufficient God who can do anything and meet any need.”  I guess the question is why did God wait for thirteen years to speak to Abraham again and why did He use this name for Himself whenever He did speak to Abraham?  Because God cannot make any mistakes that has to be a reason that He waited for thirteen years to speak to Abraham, but I am not sure what that reason would be.  As far as the name and it’s meaning it could be that God used this name to show Abraham and Sarah that even though their reproductive bodies were dead humanly speaking in order to every have any children, because He is God Almighty who can do anything, He is able to cause them to have children, and this is what He will reveal again to them. 

           

            With any new revelation always comes responsibility, and Abraham would now learn to walk before God, knowing that God is always watching Abraham, and being involved in his walk with God.

           

            God uses the words “My Covenant” nine times in this chapter, and this shows that there is a relationship between Abraham and the LORD.

            Spiritual meaning for my life today:  The Word El Shaddai and it’s meaning means a lot to me at this stage of my life, knowing that God is not only able but willing to do good things for me to encourage and help me in my walk with Him.

The Word of God has been refreshing and challenging to my heart as I have read and studied it this morning.

My Steps of Faith Today:  Continue to walk with the Lord and trust Him to work things out in my life today, and to continue to teach me contentment and guide my steps as I walk with the Lord today.