“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalm 7:17)
“I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth,” Genesis 14:22
Have you ever wanted others around you to acknowledge your labors? Have you ever desired to be rewarded for your accomplishments? Whether it is a co-worker, spouse, child or fellow laborer in Christ, we are all inclined to desire recognition for our daily efforts. A pat on the back is the least we should receive for a meal well prepared or project well-proposed right?
Genesis 14 recounts how Abram has just returned from rescuing his nephew Lot. He and three hundred and eighteen trained men of his household have pursued and defeated Kedorlaomer and three other allied kings’ armies. Abram recovers all the possessions and people who were taken as spoils of war. As he returns victorious, the King of Sodom (who previously suffered defeat at the hands of Kedorlaomer) comes out to meet Abram in the Valley of Shaveh.
I cannot comprehend what Abram’s thoughts must have been as he entered the Valley to see the King of Sodom in sight, coming to greet him after such an epic rescue mission. Maybe Abram stood a little taller? Held his head up higher? Ran a victory lap with his buddies? While I do not know Abram’s immediate thoughts, I know if it were me, I might feel a little tinge (or a vast amount) of pride at such a monumental accomplishment.
What happens next eliminates any occasion for pride to take root in the heart and mind of victorious Abram. Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of God Most High enters into the scene. He blesses Abram, saying, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” (Genesis 14:19-20). Did you catch that? “By God Most High.” Not, “Abram by your might”; but, rather “by the One who is Sovereign, Supreme and whose strength far exceeds that of anyone or anything in all of creation”.
Melchizedek offers praise where praise is due: to El Elyon, the name of the One whom He worships. El translated means “God” and Elyon, meaning “Most High”. When combined to form El Elyon, emphasis is placed on God’s majesty and supremacy and He is acknowledged as possessing the highest superiority. Are you wondering what Abram’s response was? He too acknowledges God Most High as achieving the victory and worthy of all praise! “I have lifted my hand to the Lord, God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth…” (Genesis 14:22). Abram’s response was one of worship! Abram understood that if anyone was to receive a “pat on the back,” it should be El Elyon.
So, how should the knowledge that He is God Most High affect the way you worship?
Psalm 145:3 says, “Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.” It is God Most High who meets your every need (Philippians 4:19). It is God Most High who heals the brokenhearted (Psalm 147:3) It is God Most High who gives the childless a family (Psalm 113:9). It is God Most High who raises up and deposes of earthly rulers (Daniel 2:21). Their authority was and is established by God Most High (Romans 13:1). El Elyon reigns supreme over all, and there is no governing power that can seize God’s rule and hinder the advancement of His Kingdom! How vast was the arrogance and pride possessed by Satan that he believed He could be elevated and “be like the Most High” (Isaiah 14:14)! Isn’t this the same lie Satan whispered to Eve and she believed in the garden, “You can be like God.” (Genesis 3:5)? Isn’t this the same lie he still subtly speaks to us that we are prone to believe?
Are you jealous for God’s glory or your own? Does El Elyon receive all of your praise and glory for every victory in your life? Because, my precious sister, He alone deserves them. The greatest victory was achieved through the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, so if anyone receives your exaltation, let it be the One who reigns Supreme. The One who is Sovereign. The One whose strength far surpasses your own. Today if your heart is longing for recognition for your efforts and accomplishments, instead, turn your pining into praise. Incline your voice to say, “Hallelujah God Most High for what You have done!”
Our Most Exalted God, Maker, and Sustainer of heaven and earth, because you are Most High we can trust that no attempts of Satan can thwart Your plans. No devices of man can hinder your purposes or take you by surprise. Humble us and make our desire to not be like You but rather to be made more like you. Amen.
“I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High.” (Psalm 7:17)