Day Three: The Radiance Of God’s Glory

“He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of His father David.” (Luke 1:32, NIV)

Friend, I pray unveiling these names of Jesus this Christmas season not only deepens your understanding of Him but also the time you spend with Him.

Today, we encounter another name of Jesus through one of God’s names, El Elyon. We first find El Elyon in Genesis 14:18 when a mysterious, ancient high priest named Melchizedek gave God this name during His encounter with Abram (Abraham’s name before God changed it). The priest presented Abram with bread and wine, blessing him with these words, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High.” (Genesis 14:19, NIV)

El (when it’s capitalized) means God. The priest connected El with Elyon, which means “highest, uppermost.” With this name, He ensured Moses knew Israel’s God, our God, is supreme above all other gods and sits in the highest place of honor in the heavens.

How does this name of God connect with Jesus?

Luke identified Jesus as the “Son of the Most High.” (Luke 1:32, NIV)

A demon called out to Jesus, “Jesus, Son of the Most High.” (Mark 5:7)

Hebrews 1:3-4 declares about Jesus, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word.”

Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory. The exact representation of His image. Just as you cannot separate the sun from its brilliance, you cannot separate the Son’s radiance from the glory of His father, the Lord Most High.

God and Jesus are one. Jesus is not merely a reflection of God; He is God!

Oh friend, when busyness distracts you. When grief overwhelms you. When fear paralyzes you. When anxiety consumes you remember these truths:

• Jesus SITS at the right hand of His Father and intercedes on your behalf.
• NOTHING can separate you from God’s love that is in Jesus.
• In ALL things you are more than a conqueror through Jesus.

Will you take time today to pray to El Elyon? Let the Holy Spirit lead you. Use the following guide to help you:

• Praise El Elyon because He is the God above all gods, the name above all names.
• Confess to El Elyon the busyness, grief, fear, and/or anxiety that interferes with your ability to fully trust Him.
• Thank El Elyon for all you have learned as you’ve been studying Jesus’ names.

El Elyon, thank You that though You are the Most High God, You are not a stern, distant Father. You loved me so much that You drew near to me through Jesus. Help me now draw near to You. Help me sense Your presence. Calm my heart and still my soul so I can hear Your voice. Speak to me. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen