ONE is enough for me

As consumers we all expect variety. We don’t completely depend on a single store for all commodities because it may not have the best of all categories. For example, we have a favorite store for clothes, shoes, another for groceries and so on.

But is it really wise to find different sources for our spiritual needs as well? Today we have a variety of choices there too. Some are attractive at least from the outset and some are unfortunately bizarre. Some sources stand on the foundation of certain principles, cultures, locations or heritages while others on public figures of so called spiritual gurus.

But fortunately for me, there is this ONE person I can turn to – the One true God! There is no need for a second option because there is no better choice. He is The best I could and will sought after. And we will try to find out just why.

God by definition is The Supreme being, Creator and Ruler of the Universe.

Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God (Elohim – the Triune God) created the heavens and the earth.

So, if our needs are within the heavens and the Earth (emotional, physical, material, spiritual) then we can know for sure who to go to – its Creator – God!

God cannot be specific only to a particular area or domain. If we believe that there is a God then He is an infinite being who created all other finite beings that are under His sovereign control. He is not a part of this creation but beyond it. If I say god is everything around me and everything in the universe is god then isn’t that contradicting the very meaning of God? How can there be more than one infinite being? So, if God is this one Supreme being then:

Why would I turn to many gods? When I can have a relationship with the One true God Himself, I don’t need to go to one god for provision, another for protection, yet another for healing and so on. God should be able to suffice all my needs.

Why would I turn to saints to intercede for me?

To start with who is a saint? According to the Bible every believer is a saint or in other words every person who is sanctified by Jesus’ finished work on the cross and set apart for God is a saint.(Romans 1:7,1Corinthains 1:2) In some denominations we see particular disciples and others given undue attention and they become objects of prayer and devotion. This is not biblical since giving a person such attention that he/she be made a mediator between the Father and us is an act of idolatry because Jesus is our only mediator as clearly given in the scriptures. In fact, the reason Jesus died was so  that we may have direct access to the throne of God the Father. When I turn to any other human being, I disregard the sacrifice that Christ took on for me. There is only One mediator between God the Father and all of mankind – Jesus Christ. When I bow down to any other I am consciously or subconsciously an idolater because prayer is directed only to God.

Or is my Father in heaven like a strict earthly father beyond approach that someone should recommend for me?

We also find this kind of intercessory prayers made through Mary, the mother of Jesus. They say it is just like how we would ask our mother for something instead of asking the father directly. This is yet another heresy that is prevalent. Our God is perfect and cannot be compared to the flawed characteristics of an earthly father. I need no introduction or recommendation to the One who created me and knew me even before I was born(Psalm 139:15-16). His love for me exceeds any other. Mary was blessed to have been able to give birth to Jesus but she is by no means a deity. She had other sons and daughters after Jesus was born just like a normal woman. ( Mathew 13:55-56) She calls God her savior just like He is our savior.(Luke 1:47)

When we have Jesus sitting at the right hand of the Father and interceding for each one of us, we don’t need anyone else to do this task. (Romans 8:34)

We should respect people who have lived out a life of faith and learn good lessons from their lives (both failures and successes). But none is perfect that we may pray to them or worship them. Christ alone can save us and not any human being. Our example to follow is and will always remain Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:5 – 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people.

Acts 4:12 – Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

Right! So, I just pray to this God and I get everything I want?

No, it’s not like God keeps giving you everything you want. But rather when you have a true relationship with this Almighty God, you lack nothing. You find your purpose in life and everything you need is taken care of within this wholesome relationship. 

In the old testament we see many names given to God in worship and adoration by different people at different instances. These names, unlike today, had great significance and described a particular attribute of God as revealed to these people.

We too can pray claiming these attributes of God over our life situations.

Although God is more than any name could ever contain, these names help us understand and experience certain aspects of God’s character in our lives.

Below are few of the names of God and instances where it has been used in the Bible:

1. El Shaddai – Lord God Almighty

God specializes in impossibilities. When He says “Yes” there is nothing that can change it. Faith in God’s faithfulness is what you need to see the fulfilment of God’s promises.

Genesis 17:1 – When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless.

2. El Roi– The God who sees me

Ever felt like you were invisible to the world around you? He is the God who sees you no matter where you try to hide yourself. Call on Him because His eyes are watching over you and

Genesis 16:16 – She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen^[a] the One who sees me.”

3. Jehovah Raah  – The Lord My Shepherd

When you follow the good shepherd, you will lack nothing. Even if you wander away, He will come in search of you. The good shepherd lays His life down for the sheep. Jesus is our good shepherd and in Him we have everything we need – protection, provision and guidance.

Psalm 23:1 -The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.

4. Jehovah Rapha – The Lord That Heals

God who can heal both our body from sickness and our soul from sin. I have experienced His healing in my body in a second. The same God who healed me can heal you too if you have faith in Him.

Exodus 15:26 – 26 He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”

5. Jehovah Tsidkenu – The Lord Our Righteousness

Our righteousness comes from God and not by any of our own deeds. The blood of Jesus cleanses us of all our sins and makes us righteous before the Father. So, don’t condemn yourself but repent before God and exchange your shame for His righteousness.

Jeremiah 23:6 – In His days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which He will be called: The Lord Our Righteous Savior.
 

6. Qanna – jealous, zealous, or envy

The fundamental meaning relates to a marriage relationship. God is depicted as Israel’s husband. He is a jealous God, wanting all our praise for Himself and no one else. When we distribute the worship that only God deserves among other man-made gods and saints we are committing idolatry.

Exodus 20:5 – 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,

7. Jehovah Jireh – The Lord Will Provide

When we have exhausted our resources and strength, He provides for those who call on Him. He makes sure they have enough in times of need. In His perfect time, He will provide beautifully. We need to trust and wait on Him to see the miracle.

Genesis 22:14 – 4 So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.”

8. Jehovah Shalom – Prince of Peace

He is the God who calms the storm with a word. He can give you peace amidst the chaos. In His presence we find peace that is beyond our understanding. Our peace rests on the fact that God is in control.

Judges 6:24 – 24 So Gideon built an altar to the Lord there and called it The Lord Is Peace. To this day it stands in Ophrah of the Abiezrites.

9. Jehovah Sabaoth – The Lord of Hosts

The Lord of angel armies who goes before and behind us is our Protector from the evil one. Even when we are alone, He is with us. Where no man can reach out to us, God is still with us. No wall is too thick for God to come through if you call on Him earnestly.

Isaiah 47:4 – 4 As for our redeemer, the Lord of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel.

And so, One God is enough for me. I don’t have to run between different gods for my different needs. And this privilege is freely available to you if you believe in Jesus and accept Him as your personal Lord and savior. He is enough!