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Daniel 4:34-37
We invite you to join us for worship each Sunday morning at 9:30. You can also download our service at Baptist-Christian at iTunes. We have learned that “El-Shaddai” is God’s name that means “The Almighty, Sufficient One”. In Nehemiah’s opening prayer he addresses God as El-Shaddai, next he addresses God as God of Heaven. This name appears only twice in the NT and both times are in Revelation. Let’s consider
- THE CONCEPT OF THE NAME! The easiest way to understand this name is “God Who works from His throne in heaven.” Walter Scott says it’s this name that is used by Israel from the first time she is taken captive until God again takes up the cause of the Jew. When Israel and Judah were torn apart because of their sin, the people had a tendency to think “where did God go?” This name/title teaches us that God is always working for us on our behalf, even though we don’t always (want to) see it.
- THE CONTENT OF THE NAME! In verse 5 Nehemiah tell us God of Heaven is a covenant-keeping God. This same name is also used to describe how God is related or “connected” to His people. If you take time to study this name throughout Scripture, you will discover how God’s heart desires to share Himself with His covenant people! God provides protection, success, judgment and justice, Law, fellowship to and for His people; and He also desires His people to worship and sacrifice to Him. To better understand how each of these elements, let’s consider
- THE CONNECTION OF THE NAME! As a Christian, co you consider yourself to be involved in a covenant with God? A covenant is “an arrangement made by one party with full, total, and complete power, which another party may accept or reject , but can’t alter.” Does that sound like your salvation? It should! This name means that God is always working in our behalf, even though sometimes we think He’s on vacation. We often can’t see Him working because we have turned our backs to Him so we can focus on us! We must get over ourselves and get under God! In Neh. 2:1-5, God of Heaven is a God of protection. Everyone could share an experience where God has kept us from hurt/harm being as bad as it could be. God’s protection has covered us all the way from the Throne Room of heave! By the way, if you are toying with some sin God’s talked to you about, you should repent now before the full weight of the consequences comes to you! In Neh. 2:17-20, God of Heaven is a God Who gives success. The truth is – any success a Christian enjoys is a gift from God Who is working behind the scenes from heaven! Ezra 5:11-12 teaches God of Heaven is a God of justice and judgment. We know the “negative” side of judgment and justice; but both also have a positive side. Heb. 11:6 teaches that God rewards those who diligently seek Him. Ezra 6:9-10 reveals God of Heaven is a God to worship and give sacrifice. The greatest “sacrifice” is a broken and contrite heart that worships in spirit and truth! In Ezra 7:21-23 the God of Heaven is also a God of Law! The sheer volume of the Law shows us how sin complicated our lives. And those same verses teach us that God of Heaven also wants to be with His people – hence the Temple!
If we can help you with any spiritual question or concern call us at (574) 643-9419.
