"There is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live" (1 Cor. 8:6).
Yesterday we learned that God told Moses His name was Yahweh and that He would be known by this name for generations. Yahweh, however, became so sacred to the Jewish people that they used substitute names for God in their worship, that they might not offend Him. The most frequently used title for God became Adonai. Adon means steward, administrator, or Lord. The addition of ai to adon intensifies its meaning, changing it to mean the supreme Lord or Lord of all. Adonai, therefore, emphasizes the sovereignty of God or His Lordship.
We also discover in the New Testament that the most frequently used title for Jesus is Kurios, which is the Greek translation of Adonai. The New Testament writers chose this title deliberately, for it had been reserved only for God. The passage most often quoted to prove Jesus’ authority is Psalm 110:1, “The LORD said to my Lord” or “Yahweh said to Adonai” (Note that in most Bibles Yahweh is rendered LORD). Using this title for Jesus emphasizes the Lordship of Christ. Early Christian worship made a point to focus on Jesus’ authority and His Lordship not only over the church but over all creation.
When Jesus appeared to His disciples after His resurrection, Thomas doubted whether he was truly Jesus. After touching His wounds, Thomas became convinced and responded in worship saying, “My Lord and my God” or “My Adonai and my Yahweh.” Thomas recognized Jesus’ authority and His sovereignty.
We, too, must worship God properly by recognizing His sovereignty, His absolute control over all that happens. This is an essential part of God’s character and must be acknowledged if we are to worship Him in truth. When we recognize God’s sovereignty we humbly submit our total dependence on Him and give Him the glory for all things. We cannot properly submit to God if we think anything is outside His control or that He is subject to the whims of His creation. Our God is the King of kings, and we are commanded to worship Him in all His glory and authority. To refuse to acknowledge God’s sovereign rule, or to make His will contingent upon our decisions, is to worship an idol.
Read Isaiah 29:16; 45:9; 64:8. What do these passages say about God’s sovereignty? What should this truth about God’s character mean for His people? How does acknowledging God’s sovereignty change your attitude in worship? In your daily life? Praise God for His sovereignty today.
