Exalting El Elyon: The Sovereignty of God Most High

Summary

From the heights of mountain peaks to the language we use to describe our greatest ambitions, humanity is drawn to what is “most high.” But above every pursuit, every value, and every so-called “god” of our culture, stands the one true God—El Elyon, God Most High. This name, first revealed in Genesis 14 through the encounter between Abram and Melchizedek, proclaims that God alone is the creator, possessor, and ruler of all things. While ancient cultures had their own “most high” gods, Scripture reveals that only the Lord is truly sovereign over heaven and earth, and He alone is worthy of our worship.

In the story of Abram, we see four foundational truths about El Elyon: He created and owns all things, He rules and blesses His people, He conquers their enemies, and He deserves and receives their worship. These truths are not just ancient history; they are fulfilled and magnified in Jesus Christ. The New Testament, especially Colossians 1:15-22, reveals that Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation—not as a created being, but as the heir and ruler of all. He is the creator and sustainer of the universe, holding all things together by His power.

Jesus is not only the head of the church, guiding and blessing His people, but He has also conquered our greatest enemy—death itself. Through His resurrection, Jesus inaugurated a new era where death no longer reigns over those who trust in Him. He is the firstborn from the dead, guaranteeing that all who belong to Him will also rise. Yet, our sin separated us from this Most High God. In His mercy, Jesus did what was necessary to reconcile us to Himself, making peace through His blood shed on the cross. He alone is worthy of our worship, and He alone makes it possible for us to approach God.

No matter how high we have placed Jesus in our lives, He deserves even more. He is above every fear, every trial, every rival “god” or value. In every circumstance, we are called to give Him our all, knowing that He is both our sovereign Lord and our gracious Redeemer. May we continually seek to lift Him higher in our hearts and lives, for Jesus is God Most High, and He deserves our everything.

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Key Takeaways

- God Most High Is the True Creator and Owner of All
Every culture has its own “most high”—a highest value or pursuit—but only the God of Scripture is truly El Elyon, the creator and possessor of heaven and earth. Even when humanity fell into sin, God did not abandon His creation; He remains sovereign and committed to His purposes. This truth grounds our faith in a God who is not distant, but actively involved and invested in His world. Our lives find meaning and security in belonging to the One who owns it all. [08:36]

- God Rules, Guides, and Blesses His People
From Abram’s journey to the church today, God Most High is not a remote ruler but a personal guide and provider. He calls, directs, and blesses His people, often in ways that foreshadow even greater blessings to come. The bread and wine offered by Melchizedek point forward to the ultimate provision in Christ, reminding us that God’s rule is always accompanied by His care and generosity. We are invited to trust His leading and receive His blessings with gratitude. [13:20]

- God Conquers Our Greatest Enemies—Ultimately in Christ
Abram’s victory over overwhelming odds was not just a historical event, but a signpost pointing to God’s power over all adversaries. In Jesus, this truth is fulfilled and expanded: He conquers not just earthly foes, but sin and death itself. Our greatest enemy is not external, but the death and separation brought by sin—yet Jesus, as the firstborn from the dead, has triumphed and secured our resurrection. This victory gives us hope and courage, knowing that nothing can thwart God’s plan for us. [36:55]

- Jesus Is the Fullness of God and the Only Worthy Object of Worship
All the fullness of God dwells in Jesus; He is not merely a reflection of the divine, but God Most High Himself. Our worship is not a matter of ritual or obligation, but a response to the overwhelming reality of who Jesus is and what He has done. Yet, we are not worthy to approach Him on our own—He has made the way through His reconciling work on the cross. True worship flows from hearts made new by grace, offering all we are to the One who gave all for us. [38:34]

- No Matter How High We Place Jesus, He Deserves More
Even the most devoted believer has not yet exalted Jesus as highly as He deserves. Our hearts are prone to settle for lesser “gods” or to limit Christ’s reign to certain areas of life. But Jesus is above every rival, every fear, every ambition. In every trial and every blessing, we are called to lift Him higher, trusting that He is both our sovereign King and our loving Savior. The journey of faith is a continual ascent, seeking to give Jesus our all, for He alone is worthy. [45:06]

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Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - The Power of Height and Lofty Pursuits
[05:13] - Introducing El Elyon: God Most High
[06:00] - Genesis 14: Melchizedek and Abram
[08:36] - God as Creator and Possessor
[12:18] - God Rules and Blesses His People
[13:20] - Bread, Wine, and the Blessing of Abram
[14:20] - God Conquers Abram’s Enemies
[16:06] - Worshiping God Most High
[19:27] - The Uniqueness of True Worship
[20:14] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of El Elyon
[21:18] - Colossians 1: The Supremacy of Christ
[23:48] - Jesus as Creator and Sustainer
[29:09] - Jesus Rules and Blesses His Church
[36:55] - Jesus Conquers Death, Our Greatest Enemy
[38:34] - Jesus Deserves and Enables Our Worship
[42:27] - The Call to Reconciliation and Faith
[43:59] - Living in Light of God Most High
[45:06] - Exalting Jesus Higher in Our Lives

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: "El Elyon – God Most High"

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### Bible Reading

Genesis 14:18-20 (ESV)
> And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.

Colossians 1:15-22 (ESV)
> He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross. And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death, in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.

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### Observation Questions

1. In Genesis 14, what does Melchizedek call God, and what does he say about God’s relationship to creation?
[[06:52]]

2. According to Colossians 1, what are some specific things that Jesus does or is described as?
[[21:18]]

3. What did Abram do in response to Melchizedek’s blessing and why is this significant?
[[16:06]]

4. In Colossians 1, what does Paul say Jesus accomplished through his death on the cross?
[[39:55]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Melchizedek’s use of the title “God Most High” is important in the context of Abram’s world, where there were many so-called “most high” gods?
[[08:36]]

2. What does it mean that Jesus is called “the firstborn over all creation” and “the firstborn from the dead”? How does this relate to his authority and role?
[[23:48]]

3. The sermon says that Jesus “conquered our greatest enemy—death itself.” How does this change the way Christians view death and life?
[[36:55]]

4. The passage in Colossians says that Jesus reconciled us to God “by the blood of his cross.” Why is this reconciliation necessary, and what does it say about our ability to approach God on our own?
[[39:55]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon mentioned that every culture has its own “most high”—something or someone that is valued above all else. What are some “most high” values or pursuits in our culture today? Are there any that you personally struggle to keep below Jesus in your own life?
[[08:36]]

2. Abram responded to God’s blessing by giving a tenth of everything. What does it look like for you to tangibly worship God Most High in your daily life? Is there an area where you feel challenged to give more of yourself or your resources to God?
[[16:06]]

3. The sermon said, “No matter how high we have placed Jesus in our lives, He deserves even more.” Are there areas of your life where you have not fully surrendered to Jesus’ rule? What would it look like to “lift Him higher” in those areas?
[[45:06]]

4. Jesus is described as both our sovereign Lord and our gracious Redeemer. How does knowing that Jesus rules over all and also cares for you personally affect the way you face fears or trials? Can you share a recent example?
[[43:59]]

5. The bread and wine offered by Melchizedek pointed forward to Jesus’ ultimate provision. How does remembering Jesus’ sacrifice (for example, through communion) shape your attitude toward God’s blessings and your response to Him?
[[13:20]]

6. The sermon emphasized that Jesus has conquered death and guarantees resurrection for those who belong to Him. How does this hope impact the way you approach loss, grief, or uncertainty about the future?
[[36:55]]

7. The message said, “True worship flows from hearts made new by grace, offering all we are to the One who gave all for us.” What is one practical step you can take this week to worship Jesus with your whole life, not just in church?
[[38:34]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see Jesus as truly “Most High” in every part of your life, to trust Him above every fear or rival, and to give you the courage to worship Him with all that you are.

Devotional

Day 1: God Most High Created and Possesses All Creation
The Lord is not only the creator of the universe but also its rightful owner and sustainer. Every culture may have its own "highest value" or "god," but there is only one true God Most High—El Elyon—who made the heavens and the earth and holds all things together. Even when humanity fell into sin, God did not abandon His creation; He remains its possessor and continues to work out His sovereign plan. This truth is a source of great encouragement, reminding us that no matter how broken the world may seem, it still belongs to God, and He has not given up on it—or on us. [08:36]

Genesis 14:18-20 (CSB)
"Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine. He was a priest to God Most High. He blessed him and said, 'Abram is blessed by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and blessed be God Most High who has handed over your enemies to you.' And Abram gave him a tenth of everything."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have been tempted to believe that God is distant or uninvolved? How might remembering that God is both Creator and Possessor of all things change your perspective today?


Day 2: God Rules and Blesses His People
God Most High is not a distant ruler; He is intimately involved in the lives of His people, guiding, providing, and blessing them. Just as He called Abram out of Haran and provided for him every step of the way, God continues to lead and care for His people today. The bread and wine offered by Melchizedek were tokens of God's provision, foreshadowing the ultimate blessing found in Jesus Christ. God’s rule is not oppressive but loving, and His blessings are both physical and spiritual, meeting our deepest needs. [13:20]

Genesis 12:1 (CSB)
"The Lord said to Abram: 'Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.'"

Reflection: Where do you sense God calling you to trust His guidance or provision right now? What would it look like to respond in faith, even if the path ahead is uncertain?


Day 3: Jesus Conquered Our Greatest Enemy
Our greatest enemy is not a person or circumstance, but sin and death itself. Jesus, as God Most High, faced death on our behalf and conquered it through His resurrection. He is the firstborn from the dead, the beginning of a new era in which death no longer has the final word. Because Jesus has triumphed over death, all who trust in Him will also share in His victory, rising to eternal life. This truth gives us hope and courage, knowing that nothing—not even death—can separate us from the love and power of Christ. [36:55]

Colossians 1:18 (CSB)
"He is also the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything."

Reflection: In what ways does the reality of Jesus’ victory over death give you hope or courage in the face of your own fears or struggles today?


Day 4: Jesus Deserves and Receives Our Worship
Jesus is not only worthy of our worship because of who He is—the fullness of God dwelling in bodily form—but He has also made a way for us to approach Him. Though our sin separated us from God, Jesus reconciled us by His blood on the cross, making us holy and blameless before Him. Our worship is not based on our worthiness, but on His grace and finished work. He alone deserves our everything, and He welcomes us into His presence to offer our praise, thanks, and lives as acts of worship. [39:55]

Colossians 1:19-22 (CSB)
"For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile everything to himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated and hostile in your minds because of your evil actions. But now he has reconciled you by his physical body through his death, to present you holy, faultless, and blameless before him."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can offer Jesus your worship today—not just in words, but in a tangible act of devotion or surrender?


Day 5: Jesus Is Worthy of Our Highest Devotion
No matter how highly we esteem Jesus, He is always worthy of more. He is God Most High, deserving of our complete devotion, trust, and love. In every trial, need, or moment of uncertainty, we are invited to turn to Him, knowing that He is both sovereign and compassionate. As we seek to place Jesus at the very top of our priorities, we find that He is more than enough for every circumstance. Let us strive to give Him our all, trusting that He will bless and sustain us as we pursue Him above all else. [45:06]

Philippians 3:8 (ESV)
"Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ."

Reflection: What is one thing—big or small—that you sense Jesus asking you to lay down or reprioritize so that He can truly be Most High in your life this week?

Quotes

Jesus Christ according to this passage is literally holding the universe together. He's keeping the atoms together. He's keeping the galaxy stars and planets together. It's him. Does that mean he doesn't use means to do it? No. He uses, there are little particles called gluons that hold the nucleus of every atom together. There's apparently something called dark matter, which is still theoretical, but it's out there in galaxies together. We never observe a gluon. Let me tell you what, we know why and who the universe are holding the universe together and it's the Lord Jesus Christ. He is holding the universe together. You couldn't do science without him. Isn't that incredible? Jesus is God most high. He is the creator and sustainer of all creation. Do you see how glorious Jesus Christ is and how much we rely on him without even knowing it every day of our lives? Jesus is most high, and he deserves our all. [00:27:47] (62 seconds)  #JesusRulesAll Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Left to ourselves, that would be the outcome of our lives, period. End of story. We die, we face God's wrath for all eternity, and that would be just. Isn't that terrifying? Isn't that, if we ended the story there, wouldn't that be an absolute tragedy? It would render meaningless everything that we pursue in this life. All those lofty goals we pursued, totally meaningless if we just die and go to hell. Not to say God wouldn't be glorified in that. He would. But for us, from a human perspective, it would be such a tragedy. Thank God the story doesn't end there. [00:33:51] (32 seconds)  #VictoryInResurrection Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Jesus Christ is the firstborn from the dead. Remember, firstborn means heir, ruler. What does it mean that Jesus is the firstborn from the dead? That means that Jesus, although he succumbed to our greatest enemy of death, he defeated it, and he rose. Death could not hold Jesus down. Jesus rose from the dead, and now that he has risen, he has actually earned the right to rule as the firstborn. That's why he's the firstborn heir. [00:34:27] (34 seconds)  #NewEraInChrist Edit Clip | Translate Clip

Everything God most high is, Jesus Christ is. That means Jesus Christ is God most high. Paul is ushering us into the throne room of the king in all his glory and his grandeur. He's taking us up on the mountain peak to see God. But there's a real problem here. There's a real problem. Because if Jesus really is all these things, how can we possibly come before him? How can we deserve to be in his presence? We can't. See, in our lives, we've tried to assert control of our own little universes. We've tried to become our own little eleons, to live our own authentic life apart from God. And our sin, as we said, has separated us from God. We need to be reconciled to him, and that's exactly what Jesus did. [00:39:01] (57 seconds)  #AboveAllObstacles Edit Clip | Translate Clip

No matter the obstacles or the adversities that we face, we can turn to Jesus Christ. He deserves all of our devotion, and he will be there for us. And I can promise you this, no matter how high we view Jesus Christ in our lives currently right now, maybe you've been following Jesus for decades, and he truly is the most important thing in your life. I can promise you this, however high we've placed Jesus, it's not high enough. Not yet. He still deserves more, doesn't he? He still deserves our everything. [00:44:59] (34 seconds)  #PerfectHeadOurHope Edit Clip | Translate Clip

We're never going to do this perfectly. God knows that, and that's why we need Jesus. That's why he's our head, because he's perfect and we're not. And he represents us before God, and God accepts us because of him. Jesus is God most high, and he deserves our all. May he bless us as he blessed Abraham as we pursue that truth and seek to make it more true in our lives. [00:45:34] (22 seconds) Edit Clip | Translate Clip