El Elyon: God Most High

Genesis 14:17-24; Philippians 4:4-13.

ETS: Abram trusted God Most High.

ESS: We should trust God to provide for us.

OSS: [Devotional] {I want the hearers to trust God for their daily needs, big and small.} Cognitive: I want the hearers to know that they can trust God to provide for them as God Most High. He is worthy and able. Affective: I want the hearers to be comforted with knowing that the God they serve is bigger than everything else- any problem, battle, worry, or anxiety, and He is able to provide. Psycho-Motor: I want the hearers to trust the provision of El Elyon.

PQ: What implications are present for our lives in the character of El Elyon?

UW: Implications

Intro.: [AGS]: Have you ever felt that some needs were not worth bothering God with? I mean, after all, He is God- He has enough going on right? Managing the universe, etc. On the other hand, have you ever thought, “Only God can handle this. I must take it to Him?” We often prioritize issues, but the reality is that they all matter to God. Additionally, He is El Elyon- God most high. He can handle big things- such as giving victory in war, and He can handle little things- like providing daily needs. [TS]: Today’s text provides an encounter of Abram and two kings after he returned from battle. The truth in today’s text is simple: Abram trusted El Elyon in both big and little things. [RS]: You and I face different things every day ranging from needs to issues we are encountering. The same comfort, strength, and boldness is available to us when we join in with Abram in trusting El Elyon. He truly is above all others, and we must trust Him. Today’s text and the understanding of God as El Elyon, God most high, provide implications for us.

TS.: Let us examine together a few implications now.

El Elyon is worthy of our trust in battle. (vv. 17-20)

There were two battles taking place here. One was physical; the other, perhaps, spiritual.

Physical battle between the enemies of Abram.

Spiritual battle of faith in responding to the two kings, Melchizedek and the king of Sodom. One is a righteous king; the other is not.

El Elyon provided victory in the physical and the spiritual. For the physical, he handed over the enemies; for the spiritual, he provided insight and direction in responding to the kings.

Abram giving a tenth of battle spoils is significant because it acknowledged “the absolute and exclusive supremacy of the God whom Melkizedec worshipped, and of the authority and validity of the priesthood which he exercised.” (Barnes Notes)

APPLICATION: El Elyon is mighty in battle- every battle we face. We do well to depend upon Him and not ourselves. He is worthy of our trust.

El Elyon is worthy of our trust in daily needs. (vv. 21-24)

Having defeated the enemies, Abram now possessed the “spoils of war” including the goods as well as the people. The king of Sodom attempted to make a deal with Abram: “Return the people and you can have the goods.” Yet, Abram stood strong and refused.

Abram’s lifting of his hand was a common symbol of appealing to God under oath. He was vowing to not depend on any other source except El Elyon.

The others with Abram were subject to their share, and Abram did not direct them to do otherwise. Yet, he himself made a vow to only trust in God’s provision and not that of man.

APPLICATION: El Elyon is mighty and worthy to provide our daily needs. We have no need to rely on any human source, lest we boast in flesh and credit humans with the provisions made by God.

REFLECTION:

Philippians 4:4-13.

[1] Do you find it difficult to trust in God? Worrying means failing to trust God in an attempt to make things work out in your own way.

[2] God is mighty enough to provide for your daily needs and to provide for you victory in the battle.

“He never promised that the cross would not get heavy And the hill would not be hard to climb He never offered our victories without fighting But He said help would always come in time Just remember when your standing in the valley of decision And the adversary says give in Just hold on, our Lord will show up And He will take you through the fire again”

[3] Specifically, where do you need to trust El Elyon in your life this week?