The Most High God
Recognizing His Supremacy in Our Lives
In the bustling tapestry of our daily lives, it's easy to lose sight of the grandeur and supremacy of God. Yet, hidden within an ancient encounter between biblical figures lies a profound revelation that can reshape our understanding of the Divine. This story, tucked away in the book of Genesis, introduces us to a mysterious character named Melchizedek and unveils a powerful title for God that appears for the first time in Scripture: El Elyon, the Most High God.
The narrative unfolds as Abram (later known as Abraham) returns victorious from a battle. He encounters two kings – the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, the king of Salem. These interactions, brief as they may be, offer us a glimpse into the nature of God and how we should relate to Him.
Melchizedek, whose name means "king of righteousness," is described as both a king and a priest of God Most High. This dual role is significant, as it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would later be declared a "priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). In blessing Abram, Melchizedek proclaims, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth."
This title – God Most High – carries immense weight. In Hebrew, it's "El Elyon," where "El" means God and "Elyon" derives from a verb meaning "to climb," signifying the highest point or summit.
The narrative unfolds as Abram (later known as Abraham) returns victorious from a battle. He encounters two kings – the king of Sodom and Melchizedek, the king of Salem. These interactions, brief as they may be, offer us a glimpse into the nature of God and how we should relate to Him.
Melchizedek, whose name means "king of righteousness," is described as both a king and a priest of God Most High. This dual role is significant, as it foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would later be declared a "priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek" (Psalm 110:4). In blessing Abram, Melchizedek proclaims, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth."
This title – God Most High – carries immense weight. In Hebrew, it's "El Elyon," where "El" means God and "Elyon" derives from a verb meaning "to climb," signifying the highest point or summit.
It's a declaration that there is no one higher, no one greater than our God. He is supreme over all creation, all powers, and all authorities.
Abram's response to this revelation is equally noteworthy. He immediately recognizes that the God Melchizedek serves is the same Yahweh who called him. In a profound act of worship and acknowledgment of God's supremacy, Abram gives Melchizedek a tenth of everything – the first mention of tithing in the Bible.
But Abram's recognition of God's supremacy doesn't stop there. When the king of Sodom offers him the spoils of war, Abram refuses, declaring, "I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours." Abram understood that accepting this offer might diminish God's glory, allowing someone else to claim credit for his wealth and success.
This encounter challenges us to examine our own lives. Do we truly recognize God as the Most High, supreme over all aspects of our existence? Do our actions and decisions reflect this belief?
The concept of God as Most High appears throughout Scripture, particularly in the Psalms. We're reminded that "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1) and encouraged to "Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth" (Psalm 47:1-2).
Recognizing God's supremacy has profound implications for our lives:
1. It reminds us of God's holiness – He is set apart, unlike any other.
2. It puts history and current events in perspective – God rules over all, using even the actions of nations and leaders for His purposes.
3. It compels us to give God glory for everything – all our successes and blessings ultimately come from Him.
4. It calls us to prioritize God above all else – the first commandment takes on new meaning when we truly grasp His supremacy.
Moreover, understanding God as the "possessor of heaven and earth" challenges our notion of ownership. Everything we have – our possessions, talents, and even our very lives – belongs to God. We are merely stewards, entrusted with managing what ultimately belongs to Him.
This realization should transform how we view giving.
But Abram's recognition of God's supremacy doesn't stop there. When the king of Sodom offers him the spoils of war, Abram refuses, declaring, "I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth, that I would not take a thread or a sandal strap or anything that is yours." Abram understood that accepting this offer might diminish God's glory, allowing someone else to claim credit for his wealth and success.
This encounter challenges us to examine our own lives. Do we truly recognize God as the Most High, supreme over all aspects of our existence? Do our actions and decisions reflect this belief?
The concept of God as Most High appears throughout Scripture, particularly in the Psalms. We're reminded that "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1) and encouraged to "Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy! For the Lord, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth" (Psalm 47:1-2).
Recognizing God's supremacy has profound implications for our lives:
1. It reminds us of God's holiness – He is set apart, unlike any other.
2. It puts history and current events in perspective – God rules over all, using even the actions of nations and leaders for His purposes.
3. It compels us to give God glory for everything – all our successes and blessings ultimately come from Him.
4. It calls us to prioritize God above all else – the first commandment takes on new meaning when we truly grasp His supremacy.
Moreover, understanding God as the "possessor of heaven and earth" challenges our notion of ownership. Everything we have – our possessions, talents, and even our very lives – belongs to God. We are merely stewards, entrusted with managing what ultimately belongs to Him.
This realization should transform how we view giving.
If God owns everything, then giving back a portion (traditionally a tithe or 10%) is not a burden but a joyful act of worship and recognition of His ownership.
As R.C. Sproul wisely noted, the tithe should be seen as a starting point for Christian giving, not the ceiling.
Ultimately, this revelation of God as Most High points us to Jesus Christ. Colossians tells us that He is "before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). Jesus, as fully God and fully man, is the perfect mediator between humanity and the Most High God. His sacrifice on the cross allows us to approach the throne of the Almighty with confidence.
As we go about our daily lives, may we carry this profound truth with us:
Ultimately, this revelation of God as Most High points us to Jesus Christ. Colossians tells us that He is "before all things, and in him all things hold together" (Colossians 1:17). Jesus, as fully God and fully man, is the perfect mediator between humanity and the Most High God. His sacrifice on the cross allows us to approach the throne of the Almighty with confidence.
As we go about our daily lives, may we carry this profound truth with us:
We serve the Most High God, the possessor of heaven and earth.
Let this knowledge humble us, inspire our worship, and transform how we live. May we, like Abram, recognize God's supremacy and refuse to let anything or anyone rob Him of His rightful glory.
In a world that often feels chaotic and out of control, we can find peace and security in knowing that the Most High God reigns supreme. He is above all earthly powers, beyond all human understanding, yet intimately involved in our lives.
In a world that often feels chaotic and out of control, we can find peace and security in knowing that the Most High God reigns supreme. He is above all earthly powers, beyond all human understanding, yet intimately involved in our lives.
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