This week we are wrapping up our series called “Kingdom Revealed,” but before we move on to our next series, “Kingdom Rebellion,” we need to introduce the elohim into the story.
Before God created us, His human family, he created a spiritual family. We often think of them as the angels. But this spiritual family is actually more than angels. The Bible calls them “sons of God” or the elohim.
Job 38:4-7 (NIV)
4 “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. 5 Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? 6 On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone— 7 while the morning stars sang together and all the angels (elohim – sons of God) shouted for joy?
God’s heart is to live with his divine and human family on earth. God wanted the whole earth to be a place where heaven and earth met, where humanity could enjoy the divine, and where the divine could enjoy earth and humanity. And, the beginning of the problem, where the conflict comes from, is that some of this spiritual or divine family, don’t want to add this human family.
The word elohim refers to any inhabitant of the heavenly realm. The Bible clearly distinguishes God from all other gods in other ways, not by using the word elohim. For instance, the Bible commands the gods to worship the God of the Bible.
Psalm 29:1-2 (NIV)
1 Ascribe to the LORD, O mighty ones, ascribe to the LORD glory and strength. 2 Ascribe to the LORD the glory due his name; worship the LORD in the splendor of his holiness.
God is unlike any other elohim. He is their creator and King; no one compares to God.
Psalm 89:6-7 (NIV)
6 For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD? Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings? 7 In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.
God has no equal, but the “council of the holy ones” is a real thing. We will be looking at this council and the question of why evil exists in the world at Keys Vineyard Church this weekend so be sure to join us in person or online.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
