MESSAGES
The Almighty God (Genesis 17:1)
Genesis 17:1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless.”
When God introduced Himself to Abram as God Almighty and promised him perfection, I think a mix of feelings lit up in Abram's heart: joy, gladness, security, and at the same time, fear and the dread of making a mistake.
Whether Abram had these feelings or not, the Bible doesn't say. But I believe if he did, it would've been a natural human reaction. Hearing from God that He is Almighty—meaning nothing is impossible for Him and He has authority and power over all things—is huge:
• Omnipotence - God has absolute power.
• Sufficiency - He is able to fulfill what He promises.
• Protection and care - The Hebrew word Shaddai (Almighty) also carries nuances of provision.
When God told Abram to walk before Him and strive to be an upright man, God was actually conditioning His blessings to him on his posture of obedience and sanctification:
• Moral integrity.
• Wholeheartedness.
• A life without duplicity.
In the Bible, God also made clear some of His other traits, showing that there is no one else like Him, that He is sovereign over all things, and that His justice is perfect:
• God is unique.
• God is sovereign.
• God is just and impartial.
Deuteronomy 10:17 For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe.
So, I started to think:
How can we not love and worship a God like this, who, despite His immeasurable power, loves us so much that He gave His only Son to death so we could be restored and have an abundant life by His side.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
How can we not love and worship a God like this, who constantly calls us, just as He called Abram, to a life of power and total obedience to Him.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
How can we not love and worship a God like this, who is willing to forgive us when we mess up and treats us, once we repent, as if we had never sinned.
Isaiah 1:18 “Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.”
How can we not love and worship a God like this, who has so many wonderful promises and intentions for our lives.
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
How can we not love and worship a God like this, who wants to bless you today and transform your life.
Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.
Walk in God's presence and sanctify yourself, so that the power of God Almighty, who works miracles, manifests in your life.
