May 14, 2026; ADONAI - THE LORD AND MASTER

Daily Dose of Hope May 14, 2026   Name of God:  Adonai – The Lord and Master Scripture:  Genesis 15:2, Exodus 4:10-12, Psalm 8:9, Isaiah 6:1, Daniel 9:3, Joshua 5:14   Prayer:  Adonai, Lord of my life, I turn to You before the demands of the day take over. Guide my steps, break the chains of anxiety, and lead me in Your truth. Shelter me in the shadow of Your wings and be my strength when I am weak. You are my faithful King and Keeper of my soul.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.   Welcome back to the Daily Dose of Hope, the devotional and podcast that complements the New Hope Church daily Bible reading plan.  We are currently walking through the names of God in the Old Testament.  Remember, names in the ancient world held much significance, indicating both character traits and purpose.  The same was true for God's names.  Each divine name gives us a glimpse at an aspect of God's character.   Today, we are focusing on El Adonai.  Adonai is a Hebrew word that translates into English as Lord or Master or Owner.  The term was actually used in the Old Testament when addressing humans who were master or lord over them.  David calls Saul "my lord the king" in 1 Samuel, referring to King Saul there as his adonai. The Philistines are said to have five lords (adonai) in Judges 3. And Sarah refers to her husband Abraham as her adonai in Genesis 18.     But God is also called Adonai.  It is considered the highest title used by God's people in the Old Testament. Devout Jews would often use Adonai instead of YHWH as a sign of respect and reverence. Adonai is used more than four hundred times in the Old Testament.   God is our Lord and Master.  He has all power and authority.  He rules and has absolute sovereignty over creation.    In Genesis 15, Abram refers to God as Adonai, Master and Lord, when he states that he has no heir.  Moses calls God Adonai, Master and Lord, when he complains that he wasn't eloquent enough to address the people.  God's response is actually somewhat humorous.  He basically says, "But I'm the creator.  I'm the one who created the mouths on human beings.  I will give you what you need to say."  Adonai illustrates God's absolute sovereignty over everything and everyone.   How might this name be meaningful for us?  ·      God is our Master.  God created us so that we will need him as Lord and Master.  There is a God-sized hole in each of us.  We will keep seeking purpose until we find our purpose in Him. ·      God is a good Master.  Unlike some of the things we serve in this world, God is a good, kind, loving Master.  ·      Jesus served God as Master.  Jesus acknowledged God as Adonai.  It is because Jesus knew God as Lord and Master that he submitted to death on a cross.  He yielded His will to the Father.  He also showed his disciples what it looks like to be totally surrendered to God as Adonai.    We don't like to think of having a Master.  It might feel restrictive.  It would be if our Master were anyone else but God.  But Adonai is the one we can trust.  It's into His hands that we place our lives.  In fact, there are no better hands in which to place our lives.  He is Lord over everything and over us.  That brings me a great deal of comfort.  What about you?   Blessings, Pastor Vicki