Nougat 19

Having a ‘bleh’ day?! Perhaps we might counter it with today’s Holy Nougat

“You are my God, and I praise You. You are my God—I exalt You! Praise Adonai, for He is good, for His lovingkindness endures forever.” ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭118:28-29‬ ‭TLV‬‬

According to most biblical scholars, the word Adonai is used almost as a spiritual ‘nickname’ for YHWH, as it is often substituted where YHWH would be referenced; for YHWH is the most holy name of God, and in Jewish tradition is not to be called in vain.

What then, does it mean for us to recognize Adonai as our God?

In it’s simplest definition, it references the subject of the name as ‘master’, ‘ruler’, ‘sovereign’ or ‘lord’. It implies a relationship of deference and of servitude from the one who calls the other Lord. We could even use the term ‘Your Majesty’ to instead of ‘Adonai’. When used in regard to our God, it is therefore recognizing our own status before God – a loyal subject – ready and available to do as our Majesty desires.

One way to signal one’s majesty was to situate one dwelling on an elevation, or alternatively, one could establish the grandest dwelling place. This spoke to one’s wealth and might – for one had to be wealthy enough to maintain one’s ‘castle’, as well as feed all those under one’s dominion. Not every master was fair however; some ruled with an iron fist, and their subjects lived in constant fear and sometimes abject poverty.

The psalmist voluntarily takes God – Eli (a title that refers to a spirit being; a mighty one and the source of one’s worship) as Lord, because God is good (fair, agreeable and pleasant), and because God’s ‘hesed’ (kindness extended to the lowly and needy) is constant. To praise God as Adonai therefore is to affirm that God is a good, wise, fair, conscientious, generous, and compassionate ruler.

Our expected response

Given that our Sovereign God is not only our Ruler, but also our Creator, Redeemer and Advocate; we have even MORE reason to praise. We can opt to count all the ways we have experienced God’s lovingkindness (hesed); and praise God for each. We can determine that the nature of our God is such that Adonai deserves our highest praise always – even when life’s not up to par.

But firstly, each of us, especially in our moments of despair, blah and/or joy, has to decide whether we receive God as our Sovereign Lord AND if so; what we need to do to please our Sovereign. For me; I’m with the psalmist – I’m praising my Sovereign.

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May all we seek be found in Christ