By now you know for a few days we are doing something different. I have never been to bible college so am giving you a very basic outline of what the experts say about the individual names of God. All links given will be good for a more detailed study on all the names of God. We will then look at how we can apply it.
"Adonai" is another Hebrew masculine plural noun. The plural form of "Adon", meaning “Lord, Lord, LORD, master, or owner”.
It occurs over 400 times in the Old Testament and 200 times in Ezekiel alone. Adon is used to describe a human lord and the plural Adonai for God.
Adonai Yahweh. Adonai is used over 300 times with Yahweh. Most modern bibles have Yahweh in small capital letters – LORD and Adonai as “Lord”. See bibletopics for more explanation.
Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be” – (God is self-existing – He always was, is and is to come – “I AM”). YHWH when used with other names reveals additional facts about God’s character see bible.org.
It was Adonai who sent Isaiah (chapter 6). Daniel used Adonai in his prayer of confession (chapter 9).
So what does this mean for us?
One of the leaders of my bible study once said, becoming a Christian isn’t like getting insurance: Another thing ticked off the list and then you can forget about it and do what you want.
If we are Christians, God should be Adonai of our lives. We live to please Him! (2 Corinthians 5:9)
He should be our master, obeying him in everything.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46
It’s when we obey Him that we realise God wants the very best for us even if we don’t see it at the time. Dogs don’t know that chocolate is very toxic to them (a small amount can kill.) If we see a dog going for chocolate we will do anything to stop them - acting in their best interest. They may wonder why we yanked the leash so hard, but it’s only in response to how much energy they are using in trying to get at it.
A master provides everything. Just like we are our dog’s master (or should be!) our dog doesn’t worry about his next meal, exercise or shelter. He faithfully expects we will provide it. So does God – when we make Him our Adonai. God has promised He will provide all our needs.
It’s not an oppressive thing like we may think but a truly liberating one.
When we acknowledge that God is Adonai in all areas of our lives and let Him have control: then it is freeing, knowing Adonai wants the best for us and loves us so much.
Dog owners may find this concept easier to grasp.
We can be like dogs – fighting for the top dog position but when a dog gives it up, you know as an owner how much more relaxed and balanced they are.
If they are nervous or anxious they want and look for you to take control or they will be unstable.
If a dog tries to be top dog it’s because they know someone has to be top dog. They aren’t relaxed or happy if they have to take the job, they would much prefer it if you took charge although they don’t know that until after they give it up.
We also know it has to be a daily thing being a top dog. In the same way we have to daily give it over to Adonai.
Do you know Adonai?
Is God Adonai in all areas of your life?
Let Adonai “take the wheel.”
Adonai Yahweh. Adonai is used over 300 times with Yahweh. Most modern bibles have Yahweh in small capital letters – LORD and Adonai as “Lord”. See bibletopics for more explanation.
Yahweh (YHWH): Comes from a verb which means “to exist, be” – (God is self-existing – He always was, is and is to come – “I AM”). YHWH when used with other names reveals additional facts about God’s character see bible.org.
It was Adonai who sent Isaiah (chapter 6). Daniel used Adonai in his prayer of confession (chapter 9).
So what does this mean for us?
One of the leaders of my bible study once said, becoming a Christian isn’t like getting insurance: Another thing ticked off the list and then you can forget about it and do what you want.
If we are Christians, God should be Adonai of our lives. We live to please Him! (2 Corinthians 5:9)
He should be our master, obeying him in everything.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Luke 6:46
It’s when we obey Him that we realise God wants the very best for us even if we don’t see it at the time. Dogs don’t know that chocolate is very toxic to them (a small amount can kill.) If we see a dog going for chocolate we will do anything to stop them - acting in their best interest. They may wonder why we yanked the leash so hard, but it’s only in response to how much energy they are using in trying to get at it.
A master provides everything. Just like we are our dog’s master (or should be!) our dog doesn’t worry about his next meal, exercise or shelter. He faithfully expects we will provide it. So does God – when we make Him our Adonai. God has promised He will provide all our needs.
It’s not an oppressive thing like we may think but a truly liberating one.
When we acknowledge that God is Adonai in all areas of our lives and let Him have control: then it is freeing, knowing Adonai wants the best for us and loves us so much.
Dog owners may find this concept easier to grasp.
We can be like dogs – fighting for the top dog position but when a dog gives it up, you know as an owner how much more relaxed and balanced they are.
If they are nervous or anxious they want and look for you to take control or they will be unstable.
If a dog tries to be top dog it’s because they know someone has to be top dog. They aren’t relaxed or happy if they have to take the job, they would much prefer it if you took charge although they don’t know that until after they give it up.
We also know it has to be a daily thing being a top dog. In the same way we have to daily give it over to Adonai.
Do you know Adonai?
Is God Adonai in all areas of your life?
Let Adonai “take the wheel.”
The above link opens in youtube where you can view it fullscreen.
RSS Feed