Hello I Love Let Me Tell You My Name
El Elyon – God Most High – Gen. 14
Intro: We‘ve been studying God’s name to understand who He is and how he relates to us.
Trans: This morning I want to turn our attention to the name El Elyon – God Most High. El Elyon is used over 238 times in the O.T. and testifies to supremacy of God.
Note: Another way it’s translated is, “God is the Highest.” He’s above all other gods. He has absolute power and authority over every created thing. Everything is under His care and rule. Nothing is above Him, nor will anyone or anything rule over Him.
Insert: In almost every instance El Elyon is used in Scripture, it’s used in the context of the Gentiles. W/ Abe, Moses, David, Elijah, and Daniel, the Most High God is introduced as the God that is supreme over all other pretenders and contenders.
Note: Now this isn’t to say that we live in a polytheistic culture and that there’s a slate of lesser gods to choose from (as some would have you believe) – there is only one God, yet if the truth is stated, there are a plethora of people willing to believe in just about anything and everything to not have to confront and submit their lives to the one true God. Hey, I just returned from the granola state – California, and let me assure you – there are plenty of fruits, flakes and nuts attempting to dodge El Elyon.
Story: As Jeff and I walked through the shopping district in Santa Monica, a girl stopped us to try to sell us salt from the Dead Sea. As she made her pitch, Jeff asked her questions about her faith. She claimed to be Jewish, but in reality she had a new age philosophy w/ a touch of Judaism – and talk about hostile to the name of Jesus.
Story: Then there’s Ana Marie. I had prayed that God would give me a divine appointment on the plane, and He did. As a personal assistant to a movie star, Ana Marie has seen it all. When she got on the plane I could tell that God had her right where He wanted her. We struck up a conversation about spiritual things and she mentioned she was searching. She showed me a few new age books she was reading and told me about a spiritual advisor she was seeing. I proceeded to introduce her to the Creator and shared w/ her how he had a plan for her life and that in that very instant God was reaching out to her. Thankfully, God used those 4 brief hours to allow me to show her how special she was to God and to challenge her to discover El Elyon.
Trans: Why do I share these stories, b/c we walk by people every day who are looking for answers in all the wrong places and God wants them to know He is above all other names – that He is the Most High God.
Text: Genesis 13:5-17 and 14:13-24
Setting: Abe and Lot arrived to the land God promised, but they had too much stuff to remain together. Under God’s guidance, Abe told Lot to choose a plot of land and that he’d go the opposite way. Lot consulted his flesh and chose the most fertile land closest to the action while Abe consulted God and went obey His instruction.
Insert: Don’t miss the point. Lot chose impetuously what appeared to be the best w/out any regard for God. He chose by sight and not by faith. If we’re not careful, we may find ourselves in Lot’s shoes making decisions based on sight rather than on faith.
Note: Too often, we make decisions based on a salary increase, a more promising job, a better opportunity – and we never consult God. Then we wonder why things aren’t going like we had hoped. Maybe its b/c we have stepped outside of God’s will have trusted in our own ingenuity instead of in the God who has a plan for our lives.
Story: Years ago I was put in an awkward position having to make a decision b/w moving to Europe or serving in a mega-church in Atlanta. If I looked at the money, opportunity, and future through the eyes of man, I’d have taken the job at the church and been set for life, but if I chose Norway, then who knows. Everyone told me to take the sure thing, yet God told me to go overseas. I’ve no regrets obeying God.
Point: Never make a decision based upon what you see – but upon what God sees. Base it upon His will and kingdom. It seldom will make sense to other, but it always makes sense to God. Right T.J.? Then step back and watch God move – He’s the Most High God – and he relishes the opportunity to show us just how big He really is.
Insert: Remember when Elijah went to Mt. Carmel – 600 prophets of Baal chanted and ranted to no avail – Baal never showed, then Elijah built an altar, doused it w/ water (3x) and called on Jehovah. God left no doubt of who was large and in charge.
Trans: After Abe and Lot split up, two different sets of kings got into it. A war broke out and in the midst of the battle Lot and his clan were taken hostage. Once Abe learned what had happened he got a little “ticketh off-ed” in Jehovah’s name. So Abe took 318 trained servants and went after Kedorlaomer and took him out. He not only brought Lot back, but he brought everything back. But note what happens next.
Note: Upon his return, the king of Sodom (the king who ran from the battle) approached Abe and wanted to strike a deal, He asked Abe to give him the people and for Abe to take the loot. No gratitude, no humility, just demands. He sought a compromise to retain his status and was unwilling to come under Abe’s authority.
Insert: Too many times we’re like the king of Sodom. We think we deserve more than we deserve and will beg, borrow, and steal to possess some semblance of power and prestige. We’re too proud, sinful, and cenacle to come under God’s authority.
Point: It’s typical of fallen man to want to negotiate when he has nothing of value to offer. We think in someway, our insufficiency will be sufficient to God.
Insert: I run into people all of the time who think they can convince God of their worthiness to enter into heaven or to weasel out of His discipline. Non-Christians and Christians alike think that they can barter w/ God. So they demand their rights and throw their weight around, but it won’t matter – God will not be conned.
Story: While waiting for my flight to L.A. I got in line early (flying Southwest). This lady walked up w/ complete disregard for everyone and broke the line. This didn’t sit well w/ anyone and soon she was bickering w/ the people she stepped in front of until the agent stepped in. He told her to move to the back or else he wasn’t going to allow her on the plane. She went begrudgingly, but she went. Too be honest, I was embarrassed for the lady – she acted like a fool. She thought she could con her way onto the plane. She failed. To make matters worse, after the plane boarded, someone joked that he had an open seat next to him. Later we found out that she had been in the wrong line waiting to board the wrong plane – which she missed.
Note: Abe doesn’t bite. Unlike Lot, who chose by sight, Abe doesn’t compromise his convictions – instead He walks in faith. Abe tells the king of Sodom (the king of self-sufficiency) to take a hike – he doesn’t want to give the flesh any credit at all for the victory. Abe knew it wasn’t by his strength or might but by the Most High.
Note: The other king approached the situation differently. The king of Salem (peace) also a priest of El Elyon comes in humility to Abe grateful for God’s leading. He humbled himself and served Abe as a means of thanksgiving. Abe, recognizing the reality of this king’s faith, offers a tithe (10%) of the goods. Abe w/held nothing.
Note: It’s interesting to note that the writer of Hebrews likens Jesus w/ Melchizedek. That is, Jesus was a priest and king not of the line of tradition but of grace – one worthy to receive a tithe of gratitude. One could infer that if Abe could bring a tithe to an earthly king, how much more should we present our tithe to our heavenly king.
Seven Lessons from El Elyon
1 Compromise Always Breeds Contempt (13:10-13)
Note: This entire mess got started when Lot decided by sight to pitch his tents b/w the world and God. He chunked God’s will for what looked good to him. He chose his way and gave God the highway – problem is El Elyon won’t share His thrown.
Note: Too many of us live here. We live a life of compromise b/c we don’t think God’s ways will turn out best for us. We question if God has our best interest in mind. We live w/ 1 ft. in the world and 1 ft. in the kingdom – a lukewarm life of compromise.
Video: Hot and Cold
Verse: Don’t love the world’s ways. Don’t love the world’s goods. Love of the world squeezes out love for the Father. Practically everything that goes on in the world – wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important – has nothing to do w/ the Father. It just isolates you from him. The world and all its wanting, wanting, wanting is on the way out – but whoever does what God wants is set for eternity. 1 Jn. 2:15-17 (MSG)
Note: Be in the world, but not of it. Pitch your tent close to God! (see Rm. 12:2)
2 Walk By Faith And Not By Sight (13:14-17)
Verse: Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen. Hb. 11:1
Verse: And w/out faith it is impossible to please God. Hb. 11:6
Note: If you’ll notice, Abe was in constant consultation w/ God. He understood that God could be entrusted w/ everything b/c He was above all things and over of all things.
Insert: It’s easy to trust in something or someone that has proven itself. Take for example getting in your car to drive to church. How many times have you done it w/success? You don’t even question it b/c you’ve become so accustom to it. Last week, as I prepared to come to church, I turned the ignition and nothing happened. My faith in my car was shot. I was disappointed – so I gave up cars for walking. Not really!
Insert: What are you putting your faith in? In God or things you can handle empirically.
Verse: The righteous will live by faith. Hab. 2:4
Verse: So then faith comes by hearing and hearing comes by the word of God. Rm. 10:17
3 God Is Faithful Even When We Are Faithless (14:11-12)
Note: Even though Lot made mistakes God never left him. Yes, He allowed Lot’s compromise to take him captive, but God was always prepared to retrieve him.
Why? God has promised never to leave us or forsake us. And as El Elyon – the God that is above all others – He has the authority and jurisdiction to do as He pleases.
Note: The truth is, God is bound to His promises – We should be, but He is.
Verse: If we are faithless, He will remain faithful, b/c he cannot deny Himself. 2 Tm. 2:13
4 Always Be Prepared To Act When God Calls (14:14-16)
Note: I love the fact that Father Abe was not solely a patriarch and herdsman, but also a warrior. I love the fact that he had 318 trained men sitting on go ready to fight.
Story: 9th Grade – I was called up to play varsity football – I didn’t get to start, but I wanted to play. All week in practice I gave it my all to show the coach that I was ready to play. During the game, I stayed right next to the coach just to make sure that if he needed a player I’d be the first guy he thought of. And sure enough, there in the middle of the game, Coach needed a player and I was ready to go!
Insert: Does God know He can count on you when He needs a player and are you ready?
Verse: Preach the Word, be instant in season and out, reprove, rebuke, and exhort w/ great patience and instruction. 2 Tm. 4:2
Verse: Be steadfast, immoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord knowing that your labor is not in vain. 1 Cr. 15:58
5 Align Yourself With Those Who Align With God (14:18-20)
Verse: Bad company corrupts good morals. 1 Cr. 15:33
Note: Abe was no fool. He aligned himself w/ the king who was aligned w/ the King of Kings. He saddled up w/ Melchizedek instead of w/ the king of Sodom. In reality, it’s really that simple and clear – provided you truly want God’s will over your will.
Insert: I am often amazed at how people in church will align themselves w/ the wrong side. They listen to the wrong voices, voices that cry out “my” will be done instead of God’s will be done. Listen. It’s not rocket science. If you’re not for Him, you’re against Him. Thus, before saddling up w/ someone, you’d do well to make sure they are going in the same direction God is going. If not, then don’t align w/ them.
6 A Grateful Heart Is Always Revealed By A Giving Spirit (14:18-20)
Note: A 2nd lesson concerns generosity. It’s a simple precept – that which you believe in and are grateful – you’ll support w/ your time, treasures, and talents.
Verse: Where your heart is there your treasure will be. Mt. 6:24
Note: If you’re thankful for what Jesus did for you on the cross, then your life will show it. You will be a cheerful, hilarious giver.
Note: Let’s be honest, if God is who He says He is – large and in charge – then the only reason He wants you to be generous, is so that He can be generous to you.
Insert: Speaking of generous – as we move into two worship services and three Bible studies, we need help. Not token help, but people committed to helping our church succeed on a weekly basis. And to be honest – time is too short for us to call you and beg you to join the team – we need you to step forward and pitch in. We have needs in children’s ministry, music ministry, and first impressions. We need you to give to your God and to His church.
7 Never Take What Rightfully Belongs To God (14:21-24)
Note: Now this is important – never steal from God what belongs to Him. Many things belong to the Lord, but nothing is more precious than the glory due His name.
Note: The king of Sodom offered Abraham an opportunity to have the glory all to him self. Much like how Satan sought to trick Jesus in the wilderness, so too are we often tempted to take the glory and receive the praise all for ourselves.
Note: Truth is, our egos love to be stroked. Let’s admit it. We all would rather be built up instead of torn down. We enjoy hearing how great we are (or think we are), and we enjoy seeing our names in lights. Problem is our flesh craves to steal what rightfully belongs only to God.
Note: Let me assure you. There is not one of us in this room that is all that! No matter how great you might be in the estimation of people, you are penniless, powerless, and praise-less before the Most High God.
Verse: Open my lips and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not delight in sacrifice or I would give it. You are not pleased w/ burnt offering. The sacrifices pleasing to God are a broken and contrite heart. Ps. 51:15-17
Note: If you want to be great before the most high, then be humbled in His presence. Give to God the glory due His name – the name that is above every name.
Insert: Remember – We might throw broken things away, but God cannot begin to use anyone or anything until it has been broken.
Note: The Most High God – El Elyon – is above all other gods – there is none like Him.
