Blog Series Part 2: Nine Names of God {The Father + God Most High}
A few weeks ago I began this 5-part series on the names of God and I’m so excited to dive in to two new names this week, The Father and God Most High.
As I mentioned in Part 1 of this series (which can be found HERE), in Biblical times, names were so much more than just a word you called someone. There are so many instances where the Father or Jesus gave people new names to mark a significant change in their life.
And He does the same with us!!
When we meet Jesus and believe in Him and what He did on the cross, He gives us a new name.
Just to mention a few…
From Orphan to “ADOPTED, BELOVED CHILD!”
Although we were once held hostage to obey the law, we are now deemed completely free and our legal adoption papers have been signed by Jesus Himself! (Galatians 4) We don’t have to live as an orphan for one more second! An orphan is one who is forgotten, unseen, unloved, and has no inheritance. But, when we meet Jesus, He changes everything. We are adopted by His Father and our relationship is restored! Amen!!
From Sinner to “SAINT!”
There was a time when we were alienated from the life of God because of our ignorance and hard hearts, but NOW (through Jesus) we can put on our new selves like a fresh wardrobe. (Ephesians 4) The title and label “sinner” used to fully encompass our identity, but when we meet Jesus and believe what He did for us on the cross, we become a new creation and we’re given a new name: Saint. In the Greek, “Saint” means to “make holy” or “to set apart.” Our life is one long, beautiful journey of sanctification (being set apart and being made holy, as Jesus is holy.) No longer do we have to label ourselves and walk around talking about how we’re sinners, bound by our flesh, wah wah wah. We are FREE to live as adopted, loved children, walking in the freedom and glory of the Father’s Kingdom!
More on that for another time, though!
Let’s move on to the names of God.
I thought about saving this name for last in the series, since it’s the most intimate name for God, but I love it so much and I just can’t wait to share it! I know there are so many people who either think God is this far-off, distant “being” OR that He’s an indignant, raging madman ready to engulf the entire world in flames. Friends, I desperately hope and pray that through the reading of the Word, you discover that He is Father. He is nurturing. He cares for us. He is a GOOD God who gives good gifts. He is full of love, light, and abundance. He loves you AND He likes you. He wants to spend time with you. It was always His intention to live with His people in the garden, walking intimately with them. Unfortunately, one foolish mistake caused a separation between the Father and His children. Jesus was and is the only way to bring us back into relationship with the Father. Because of Jesus, we can call Him Abba (or, Daddy.) What an incredible privilege to be able to call our creator our Father! The name “Abba” appears in the New Testament three times (Mark 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6.) Each time the nature of this word implies deep closeness and intimacy. There’s nothing distant about this title. He is ever-present and nurturing.
It’s my hope and prayer that you’d spend time reading the verses under each of the names of God I’m sharing in this series, but if not, I hope you’ll at least read this passage.
“The mature children of God are those who are moved by the impulses of the Holy Spirit. And you did not receive the ‘spirit of religious duty,’ leading you back into the fear of never being good enough. But you have received the ‘Spirit of full acceptance,’ enfolding you into the family of God. And you will never feel orphaned, for as he rises up within us, our spirits join him in saying the words of tender affection, ‘Beloved Father!’ For the Holy Spirit makes God’s fatherhood real to us as he whispers into our innermost being, ‘You are God’s beloved child!’ And since we are his true children, we qualify to share all his treasures, for indeed, we are heirs of God himself. And since we are joined to Christ, we also inherit all that he is and all that he has. We will experience being co-glorified with him provided that we accept his sufferings as our own.” (Romans 8: 14-17)
The Word: Mark 14, Romans 8, Galatians 4, Ephesians 4, Psalm 68:5, Isaiah 64:8, James 1:17
Prayer: Father, your Word says that you are the Father of Lights and that we are the Light of the world. Thank you for being a Father who loved us enough to send your son to die for us so that we might be adopted and brought back into relationship with you through the blood of Jesus! Father, I’m praying for hearts to be completely healed and restored in Jesus’ name! How can we begin to thank you for adopting us? Father, I lift up those of us who don’t have earthly fathers who mirror your goodness, your kindness, and your love. Even the “best” fathers that we know of fall immeasurably short. Thank you for being a relational God who desires to be with His people and not over them. Amen!
This is a name of God that I wasn’t as familiar with going into this series. I can promise you I’ve never begun a prayer with, “El Elyon…” However, learning about these names of God has opened my eyes to see new parts of His heart. He is the God Most High, but He’s also near. He’s the Exalted One, but He’s also right here in the middle of my day-to-day, in the middle of my storms. I just love it.
This name for God is used four times in Genesis 14 in the story of Abraham and Melchizedek. After defeating nine Canaanite kings and rescuing his nephew Lot, Abraham met Melchizedek on his way back home. Mel introduced himself as the King of Salem and a “priest of God.” (I have to give a plug for you to read Hebrews 5-7 where the author breaks down the similarities between Melchizedek and Jesus!! I don’t have time to get into it in this post, but maybe I will in a future post. It is fascinating!) Mel made it clear to Abraham that he represented the God Most High, the Exalted One. Mel’s words encouraged Abraham so much that he gave Mel a tenth of everything he’d gathered.
There is a pervasive theology that many cling to that says: Because God is the Most High, because He is sovereign, or because He is the Exalted One, that He must be moving us around like chess pieces or puppets. He must be the one giving people cancer or killing babies. Friends, can I break those lies for you today? He is a GOOD Father. Jesus said Himself that even earthly fathers know how to meet their children’s basic needs and they wouldn’t give their children rocks when they ask for fish. He said, “HOW MUCH MORE will your Heavenly Father take care of you and give you good gifts?” (Matthew 7) The enemy is the one who comes to steal, kill, and destroy - NOT the Father! (John 10) The Holy Spirit empowers us to actively face and resist the devil and He comforts us in our storms. My sweet friend Caroline published an incredible podcast episode about this topic this week. I’d love for you to check it out HERE!
The Word: Genesis 14:18-22, Psalm 57:2, Psalm 61:2, Psalm 78:35, Psalm 92:1, Daniel 7:25, Matthew 6:9
Prayer: Father, I praise you for your goodness and your nature. You reign above all. Everything we strive for and go after is completely meaningless if you are not at the center. There is no one like you - there never has been and there never will be. You are the almighty, exalted one! Jesus is known as the Son of the Most High and the Holy Spirit is your power. Jesus is our perfect older brother and it’s just an incredible thought to know that the God of the universe wants to be near me. Goodness!!!! Thank you, Father! Amen!!
All posts in this series:
When thinking about God as Father, this song immediately comes to mind. Through Jesus, we are given a room in the Father’s house and a perfect inheritance. I pray this song ministers to your heart as it does to mine!
who you say i am
BY: HILLSONG worship
Who am I that the highest King
Would welcome me?
I was lost but He brought me in
Oh His love for me
Oh His love for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
Free at last, He has ransomed me
His grace runs deep
While I was a slave to sin
Jesus died for me
Yes He died for me
Who the Son sets free
Oh is free indeed
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
I am chosen
Not forsaken
I am who You say I am
You are for me
Not against me
I am who You say I am
In my Father’s house
There’s a place for me
I’m a child of God
Yes I am
I’m so glad you’re here, friend. I’m not sure how you found this post, but I continue to be amazed by the internets. It brings us together in such beautiful ways and reminds us that we’re more alike than different. More united than divided. Whether you spend a minute or an hour on this page, know that Jesus loves you like crazy. Like CRAZY. I’d love to hear how I can pray for you. Would you let me know here?
