Pastor’s message for the month of March
“God the Father: El Shaddai” (Gen. 17:1)
What do you need in life?
During my early years in my 20’s, there was a time in which I was homeless. I regularly slept in abandoned homes, “washed up” in the bathrooms of drugstores, and ate at soup kitchens. Soon, I came to the realization that, although these experiences were uncomfortable, and at times humiliating, it was enough. I now look back on these memories with fondness. Although I experienced difficulties, God sustained me. Although I was unaware of God’s Presence in my life at the time, God was all I needed. That reality is a fundamental Truth in the Bible. God is enough.
In our Scripture verse, God tells Abraham that God is “ I AM El Shaddai.” Most biblical versions, including the NRSV translate this phrase as “I am God Almighty.” The problem with this translation is that, for modern readers, it does not capture the ancient connotation associated with the Name. Most modern readers associate the term “Almighty” within the context of “power.” But this specific Name connotes the idea of Sufficiency. In fact, due to this understanding, many Hebrew Bibles render this verse as reading “I AM the All-Sufficient One.”
Given that this verse is written within the context of Gen. 17 and is connected to Gen. 15 and 18: 1-15, it makes all the more sense that God’s Name be understood as the All-Sufficient One. In these passages, God promises that God will bless Abraham and Sarah with a child. However, both of them were well in advanced age, being in their 70s. As such, they were well past their prime for having children. In response, both Abraham and Sarah suffer from doubts. This is why God tells Abraham that God is the All-Sufficient One. Sufficiency is defined as being adequate or enough. An element that is sufficient means that that thing is enough to complete the task or to make something happen. In other words, in the face of doubts, questions, and curiosity, God is informing Abraham that God is enough. God is all that Abraham and Sarah need. God is enough to make this happen. To make a way for them to have children.
What a wonderful message for us as we begin the season of Lent. Lent is often associated with Praying and Fasting. And for good reason! Praying and Fasting reminds us that God is all we need. God is enough. God is the All-Sufficient One. This is why many fast from food during Lent. The reason we can live with little to no food for a long period of time is because God is enough. God is the One who sustains us. God is sufficient. Therefore, during this season of Lent, focus on that truth. Whatever you are facing, good or bad, God is sufficient for you. God is enough. God is all You need.
Dear God, You are all I need. This Lenten season, remind me that You are enough.
Amen.
