|
|
|
|
Home El Shaddai - The All Sufficient GodGENESIS 17:1By Leslie S. RaineyAFFECTION | ABUNDANCE | ALL - SUFFICIENCYIn the language of the Bible the word, "EI-Shaddai" signifies 'the all-sufficient God". Various names are used in the Word to instruct us as to who and what God is in His glorious person. Elohim is the name of plural majesty; El discloses the strong and mighty One; Jehovah, the One who is, who was, and who is to come; Jah, the Sublime One; and Adon, the Master and Lord. All these titles find embodiment and exact expression in Christ, the Effulgence of His glory, and the Image of the invisible God. It must have been a wonderful day in the history of Abraham when the name El-Shaddai was revealed and became a reality to the friends of God, the pattern and pioneer of faith. How suggestive is the name. First of all it tells about affection. AFFECTIONHow blessed to know the God of abiding affection - One who cares and ever remains the same, yesterday, today, and forever - The root word conveys the thought of the mother's breast supplying abundance of milk for the child. Surely it is a picture of rest, relationship, resources, and life-giving nourishment. This God is our God, and will be our strength and sustenance until travelling days are done. ABUNDANCEThe word reveals an exhaustless fountain that pours itself out like a Victoria Falls to everlasting fullness without stint, without end, and without any possibility of drying up in summer or freezing over in winter. It is a country scene, and reminds us of a great spring pouring out of the mountain side down to the valley below, bringing life and luxuriousness to the waiting soil. Further, this word suggests all-sufficiency. ALL-SUFFICIENCYIn the outpoured God every need is met. the thought behind the word "outpoured" has been beautifully fulfilled at Pentecost, when the fullness of the Holy Spirit was outpoured from the risen Saviour, the Fountain of life, love and liberty. Today we turn our lives to Him, seeking that fullness that God alone in Christ can supply. Oh, to realise our emptiness and God's fullness and let the Holy Spirit inflow, outflow, and overflow in daily life and labours! Surely herein lies the secret of peace within the power without for the unknown days of the coming year. The most suggestive passage where Shaddai occurs, apart from El, is Psalm 91:1. "He that abideth under the shadow of the Almighty," and the New Testament promise to those who obey in being separated to Him, speaks not only of protection from all evil, but the positive power of a consecrated life, for what greater promise can we have than "I will dwell, I will walk, I will be their God, I will receive, I will be a Father . . . saith the Lord Almighty" (2 Cor. 6:14-18). Here is victory, power, progress, usefulness, happiness, holiness, and heaven.
Home
|
|
