WALKING PERFECTLY

WALKING PERFECTLY

"I am God Almighty; walk before Me, and be thou perfect" Gen. 17:1

In this word Jehovah revealed Himself in a new way to Abram, and called him to a yet more complete devotion. The name or title, EL-SHADDAI is peculiarly suggestive, meaning quite literally, “The mighty One of Resource or Sufficiency”. We miss much of its beauty by our rendering God Almighty. The idea of Almightiness is present, but it is fully, expressed by the word El. The word Shaddai goes further, and suggests perfect supply, and perfect comfort. We should reach the idea better by rendering God All-bountiful, or even better still, God All-sufficient. This was the new revelation, and it was in connection with its making that Abram was called to walk before this God, and to be perfect. This is ever God's way with His own. He reveals the perfection of their resources in Himself, and then calls them to a walk which is made possible by these very resources. WHO CAN WALK BEFORE GOD AND BE PERFECT IN HIS OWN WISDOM OR STRENGTH? Surely none! But, on the other hand, who need fail to do so, if depending upon Him for all He, in tender and mighty strength, is able and willing to supply. To gather sustenance and consolation from the bosom of God, is to be made strong for all the pilgrimage, however long the march, or difficult the route. For us, the revelation of this truth about God is perfected in our Lord, for "The only begotten Son, Who is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." (John 1:18) And more; "Of His fullness we all received, and grace for grace." (John 1:16)