Names of GodSample

Day 4: Adonai – Lord, Master

Devotional:

In Genesis 15:2, Abram addresses God as Adonai, a powerful name that means “Lord” or “Master.” This name conveys authority, ownership, and rightful rule. When Abram calls God Adonai, he acknowledges God not just as Creator or Covenant Keeper, but as his sovereign Master, the One with rightful authority over his life and destiny.

The name Adonai occurs over 400 times in the Old Testament and expresses a deep recognition of God’s lordship over all creation and individuals. It reminds us that God is not simply a distant deity or an impersonal force but the ruling Lord to whom we owe allegiance, obedience, and trust.

Adonai Reveals God’s Sovereign Authority

Calling God “Lord” means recognizing He is the supreme authority over everything, nature, nations, circumstances, and our lives. When Abram calls God Adonai, he acknowledges that God’s will is ultimate and has the power to fulfill His promises, no matter how impossible they seem.

This moment is profound because Abram is wrestling with a painful reality; he has no children, despite God’s promise. Yet, even amid uncertainty, Abram doesn’t reject God’s authority; instead, he submits his questions and doubts to the Lord’s sovereignty.

In our own lives, recognizing God as Adonai means surrendering our control and acknowledging that He rules with perfect wisdom and love. His plans are higher than ours, and His timing is perfect.

Adonai Calls Us to Trust and Obedience

Adonai is not a distant king who rules from afar; He is a Lord who invites us into a relationship marked by trust and obedience. When we recognize God as our Master, we accept His authority to guide and shape our lives.

Abram’s relationship with God as Adonai is deeply relational. He questions and seeks clarity, but he ultimately walks in faith. The Bible later shows Abram obeying God’s commands, even when they require tremendous personal sacrifice, such as when asked to offer his son Isaac (Genesis 22).

God’s lordship is not about blind submission but trusting His goodness and yielding our lives to His loving rule. It means allowing Him to direct our steps and trusting His commands lead to our flourishing.

Adonai’s Lordship Brings Security and Peace

Freedom and peace come from recognizing God as Adonai. When God is truly Lord of your life, you no longer carry the heavy burden of trying to control everything yourself.

Instead, you rest knowing that your Master is wise, powerful, and faithful. He holds the future and works all things for good (Romans 8:28). Even when life is uncertain or complex, trusting Adonai allows you to experience peace that transcends circumstances (Philippians 4:7).

Knowing God as Adonai helps us surrender anxieties, fears, and doubts. It reminds us that we are not alone or abandoned; our Lord is present, guiding us with sovereign care.

Living Under Adonai’s Lordship

To acknowledge God as Adonai is to embrace a lifestyle of worship, obedience, and humility. It means:

• Worshipping God as the ultimate authority in your daily life changes your priorities, decisions, and relationships.
• Obey His Word even when it challenges you, and trust that His ways are best.
• Submitting your plans and desires to His will, inviting His guidance and correction.
• Serving others as an expression of serving your Lord, reflecting His love and justice.

When we embrace God as Adonai, we recognize that life is not about self-rule or independence but a relationship with the One who made and sustains us.

Jesus as Adonai

In the New Testament, Jesus is the ultimate Adonai, the Lord of all (Philippians 2:9-11). The early church worshiped Jesus as Lord because He is God incarnate, the King who came to serve, save, and reign forever.

When you call Jesus “Lord,” you are making the same commitment Abram made to Yahweh Adonai, trusting in His authority and submitting to His reign. Jesus invites us into abundant life by living under His loving rule (John 10:10).

Prayer:

Adonai, my Lord and Master, I acknowledge your sovereign authority over my life. You are worthy of my trust and obedience. When I feel uncertain or tempted to control my path, help me to surrender fully to your loving rule. Teach me to walk faithfully with you, trusting that your plans are perfect and your timing is sure. May my heart always bow to you as the true Lord of my life, and may I reflect your glory in all I do. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What areas of your life must you submit more fully to God’s lordship?
2. How does knowing God as Adonai give you peace amid uncertainty?
3. What does it mean for you to call Jesus “Lord” today?