Our God is an Awesome God!

"And God said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them; and behold, I will destroy them with the earth.'"

"Then the Lord said to Noah, 'Come into the ark, you and all your household, because I have seen that you are righteous before Me in this generation.'"
(Genesis 6:13 & Genesis 7:1)

These two verses are the perfect illustration of how the different Names of God represent His many attributes. I hope to clarify this concept for you and stir up excitement about the richness of God's Word.

Okay, here we go. Same story; two different Names for God.

In Genesis 6:13 the Hebrew Name for God is Elohim, "And Elohim said to Noah, 'The end of all flesh has come...'"

Elohim refers to God's justice. It literally means "The Creator." As Creator, Elohim is Sovereign over all the universe. Think of it this way, "The scope of His rule not only includes the entire physical universe, but it exceeds it. He existed before all creation, He expands beyond it, and by virtue of having begotten it, He encompasses all that it is." (commentary, Spirit Filled Life Bible) >Elohim is the King of His creation. All power and authority comes from Him.

Elohim's creation had become a mess - a land of corruption and lawlessness - and there was nothing for a Holy God to do except destroy it. Make no mistake, God will not be mocked.

But now, look at at Genesis 7:1, "Then the Lord said to Noah..." The Hebrew word for Lord is Adonai which reflects His mercy. "Then Adonai said to Noah, 'Come into the ark, you and all your household...'"

Do you see the contrast? Elohim was used to demonstrate God's authority, but Adonai was used as the flooding began and Noah and his family were tucked away safely in the ark. Adonai reflects God's compassion in the midst of His wrath.

David expresses this sentiment beautifully in Psalm 103:11-14, "For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust."

What do you think made the difference for Noah and his family? Yes, God saw them as righteous before Him. The blood of Jesus makes US righteous before Elohim. His blood places us in covenant with the Lord God. Adonai covers us with His feathers during the storms. He saves His children from impending doom.

"As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him."

Our God is an awesome God, the King of Creation!

Elohim, we recognize Your power and Your authority. We understand Your justice but, goodness, are we thankful for Your mercy! Your compassion never fails for Your children. You created us Lord. You know our frame and remember that we are dust. Thank You, Lord. You never cease to amaze me. Thank you for teaching us about Who You are.