What does the Bible call Him?

 

I’ve been looking at the names of God in the Bible lately. There are many web sites and several experts who choose different names or descriptions, as names to identify God.  But there are a few of those names that paint and leave pictures in my mind.

The use of Elohim, El Shaddai, Adonai and others, speak about characteristics or traits of our wonderful God.  Another is El Olam from Psalm 90:1-2.  The meaning seems to be "Everlasting God," or "God without a beginning or an end." I love that.  To quote one writer, it means “free from all constraints of time.”  Psalm 90:1-2 speaks

El Olam (Lord)

You have been our refuge in every generation. Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from eternity to eternity, 

You are God. 

The Psalmist didn’t say, “you were God.” 

He said, “You are God.”  

There was No change here!

God didn’t used to be. 

HE IS. 

In our “time constrained” world, it’s especially comforting to understand that time is NOT an issue for God.  

When questioned about His status in time, Jesus told the people in John 8:58 (HCSB) “I assure you: Before Abraham was. I AM.  He said again, "I AM", not I was, or used to be. 

The Bible refers to Him as the beginning and the end – Alpha and Omega.

“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”  Revelation 1:8 (NIV)

Many times we worry about things in our own lives, our health or risks, or tomorrow.  But in Jesus’ sermon on the mountain, (Matthew 6:27) He asks the question, “Why do you worry?”  He said, “Can anyone of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your life?” 

Time is in God’s hands, He made it.  He controls it.  We can stop watching the clock or the calendar – God is in control and He is going before you, and walking with you.

 The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)