Who is El-Shaddai?

WHO IS EL-SHADDAI?

There are a number of attributes that characterize  the  God of the bible. To help one appreciate and remember His greatness, four outstanding characteristics can be expressed using four words, all starting with the letter “P”.

God is Powerful: He created trillions upon trillions of stars, in a trillion galaxies spanning the vastness of the universe. An average star emits energies at its surface, equivalent to multi-megaton hydrogen bombs - every second! Prophet Isaiah informs us in chapter 40, that God measures the vast universe with the palm of his hand, and calls each star by name, such that none may be lost (in science we call this the law of conservation of mass and energy).

God is Purposeful: He is the intelligent designer that has created everything in nature purposefully. Our privileged planet, the earth, is just one example among many. Its precise distance from the sun allows water to exist in liquid form, which in turn allows for life to emerge and prosper. The location of the sun at the edge of the Milky Way galaxy, and its distance from other suns, allows for stable planetary orbits. In addition, the distance from nearby stars allows for a dark night to exist on earth and enables astronomers to explore the heavens and discover its mysteries.

God is Personal: He created mankind in his image in order to be able to communicate with us, both through his creation and through his Word. He endows his creatures with wisdom and honor to enable them to become creators and communicators themselves.

God is a Provider: He cares for his creatures through his love exhibited in nature and in his Word.  Although he can count and name the trillion upon trillion stars, he assures us that even the hairs on our head are counted! Again, in chapter 40 of Isaiah, it says that ”he gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak”. The most incomprehensible demonstration of his love happened when he visited planet earth in the person of Jesus Christ, who lived, suffered and died to save mankind from death and who offers instead, abundant life, to all who accept his gift.