God is not only separate, He is also sovereign; “I saw the Lord” (vs 1b). R. C. Sproul makes this observation about the word Adonai translated “Lord” in Isaiah 6:1, “Suffix ‘ai’ intensifies the mean of the word (Adon), so that Adonai means the supreme Lord, the Lord of all. This word stresses the sovereignty of God as a ruler.”[1] The plural form Adonai is said to be a plural of majesty like Elohim (Although some say the plural form of both of these names of God points to the truth of the Trinity in the OT).”[2]
Many Christians see God as a “Santa Claus” one who presents himself as the ultimate authority exercising unquestioned power, while at the same time, always being available to fulfill the requests of His people. The only time they approach God is to receive answers to their wants. God is Supreme. However, He is not there to fulfill our every desire.
There is a story about a man who prayed for years to win the lottery. Every week he would ask God to let him win the lottery. Finally, after many years of diligent, weekly prayer, God appeared to him and said, “Could you, at least, buy a ticket?”
God does not exist to fulfill our wishes and dreams. Those who believe this and teach it, have it backwards. We live to praise and worship God for the love and grace He has shown toward us. When we accept our position as unworthy and walk in the light (1 John 1:7) of His love and grace toward us (Ephesians 5:1-2), He will meet our needs (Philippians 4:19) not necessarily our wants.
To be sovereign means that God has everything under His rule and authority. God created everything, therefore, everything is under His dominion. God is sovereign both in premise (He practices His authority) and in position (God defines sovereignty since He is Sovereign).
Through His grace, God gives us eternal life. Through His grace, God protects us through the struggles of life. Through His grace, God provides for our needs.
God is supreme; “sitting on a throne” (vs. 1b). In Psalms 97:1 we see that, “The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.” God is supreme in His power, His command, and His being.
No one can match the power of God. Not only does God display His power through creation, but He acts on His power through miracles, and will God practice His power over all that is evil, God is Power. We see God’s power in His creation. Jeremiah 32:17 says, “'Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm.”
There is nothing that God can’t do. Psalm 77:14 says, “You are the God who works wonders; You have made known Your strength among the peoples.”
God’s power overcomes evil. 1 John 3:8 (NKJV) teaches us that, “the one who practices sin is of the devil; for the devil has sinned from the beginning.” The Son of God appeared for this purpose, to destroy the works of the devil.
After the Philistines had captured the ark of God, they took it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. Then they carried the ark into Dagon's temple and set it beside Dagon. When the people of Ashdod rose early the next day, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord ! They took Dagon and put him back in his place. But the following morning when they rose, there was Dagon, fallen on his face on the ground before the ark of the Lord ! His head and hands had been broken off and were lying on the threshold; only his body remained. That is why to this day neither the priests of Dagon nor any others who enter Dagon's temple at Ashdod step on the threshold (1 Samuel 5:1-5)
1 Samuel 5:1-8 helps Bible readers understand He is God Most High. After the Philistines had captured the Ark of the Covenant, they set it beside their idol Dagon. The next day Dagon fell over bowing before the Lord Most High. The Philistines set their idol back up, and the next day Dagon fell down again, this time breaking its head and hands. The Lord Most High in this story is proving there is no idol or anything that can stand beside or above Him. [3]
[1] R. C. Sproul, The Name of God: Adonai, preceptaustin.org/adonai-lord-the_name_of_god.htm.
[2] Precept Austin, The Name of God: Adonai, preceptaustin.org/adonai-lord-the_name_of_god.htm.
[3] David Jenkins, Where Do We See El Elyon in Scripture? biblestudytools.com/bible-study/topical-studies/worship-god-as-el-elyon-the-lord-most-high, used by permission, Article 107 of the Fair Use Copywrite Law.
Overcast, 61°