LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
 
Tuesday 12th May 2026

GOD THE MIGHTY ONE

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1

Elohim is the first Hebrew word used in reference to God in the Bible. It is not God’s personal name but a general term that reveals who God is. It gives insight into His majesty and power. This name is repeated 35 times in Genesis 1 and 2 in connection with God’s power revealed in creation. 

Occasionally, Elohim is used to refer to heathen gods, other supernatural beings and more rarely to earthly judges. In that sense, it is similar to how we commonly use the word, ‘god’, a word that is applied to all sorts of idols. However, in the Bible, Elohim is usually used for the Creator of Heaven and Earth.

In the Old Testament, Elohim or El is used in combination with other words to reveal different aspects of God’s nature and works. 

1. Elohim is the Creator.

He is the uncreated one who created all things. He is the originator, the first cause. He caused the universe to be and is greater than His creation. He owns all things because it is from Him that all things, seen and unseen, came to be. 

2. Elohim is the Ruler.

God is not absent from His creation. That means He didn’t abandon His creation after He had made it. He is active in His creation. In His counsel, He has chosen to be a present participant in the happenings of His creation, rather than just a spectator from a distance. He has decided to take an interest in and rule over His created order, rather than dissociate Himself from it.  

3. Elohim is the Judge.

God has the final say in His creation. He determines what is right and wrong; what will stand and what will fall. We cannot subvert His position as the righteous Judge, seeing that we also form a part of His creation.  Neither can we usurp His power to determine the rules upon which the world functions because He made all things. 

Elohim is our first introduction to God, and this is consistent with all His acts from the beginning of our world, from making things and thereafter ruling and judging them.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, you have created all things by your power. Help me to always remember that I exist because of you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.