By Andrew Williams
He Is (Week 1: The Foundational Names)
Opening Prayer
Lord and Master, we joyfully submit our lives, our plans, and our wills to Your perfect and loving authority.
Today’s Scripture (NLT)
Psalm 16:2
“I said to the Lord, ‘You are my Master! Every good thing I have comes from you.'”
As we conclude our first week, we come to the name Adonai. This name, translated “Lord” or “Master,” speaks of God’s rightful ownership and our willing submission to Him. While Yahweh is God’s personal covenant name, Adonai is the name that defines our relationship to Him. He is the Master, and we are His servants.
This name reveals that God has absolute authority. To call Him Adonai is to acknowledge that He owns everything, including us. It is a declaration of surrender, saying, “You are in charge. Your will, not mine, be done.” But this is not the submission of a slave to a harsh tyrant. It is the joyful submission of a servant to a good and gracious Master, as the Psalmist declares: “Every good thing I have comes from you.”
To know God as Adonai is to find freedom in surrender. When you place your life under His authority, you are freed from the crushing burden of having to be your own master, charting your own course, and providing for yourself. You can rest, knowing that your good Master is in control and has your best interests at heart.
Disciple’s Life Tip: Interact with God as Adonai. Look at your schedule for the coming week. In prayer, surrender that schedule to your Master, Adonai. Pray, “Adonai, this week is yours. Guide my steps and let your will be done in and through my plans.”
Closing Prayer: Adonai, our Lord and Master, we joyfully place our lives under Your authority. Thank you that in serving You, we find perfect freedom and every good thing. Amen.
