Finding Refuge in God Most High: El Elyon
Summary
Today, we explored the name of God, El Elyon—God Most High—and what it means for our lives. From the earliest pages of Scripture, God reveals Himself as the One who stands above every power, every idol, and every enemy. In Genesis 14, Abram’s unlikely victory over four kings is attributed not to his own strength, but to the intervention of El Elyon, the God who is higher than any earthly force. Melchizedek, the mysterious priest-king, blesses Abram in the name of this Most High God, reminding us that even when the odds are stacked against us, God’s power is unmatched.
David, too, knew what it meant to face enemies that were “too mighty” for him. In his final song, he recounts how God Most High delivered him from every adversary—national, personal, spiritual, and physical. David’s life was marked by battles, betrayals, and loss, yet he continually found refuge in God. The temptation, however, is to seek refuge elsewhere: in denial, distraction, substances, relationships, or revenge. But none of these can bear the weight of our struggles. Only God Most High is strong enough to deliver and sustain us.
We also see the danger of pride and self-reliance in the story of Nebuchadnezzar. This king, who ruled over the greatest empire of his day, was brought low by God until he recognized that there is a God above all gods—and he is not it. Humility before El Elyon is essential. We must acknowledge that God is not only higher than our enemies, but higher than ourselves. His ways are above our ways, and trusting Him means surrendering our need for control, even when we don’t understand His plan.
Taking refuge in God Most High involves three steps: turning to Him by faith, trusting Him with our lives and the lives of those we love, and bringing our cares to Him in prayer. This is not always easy, especially when the pain is real and the outcome uncertain. Yet the cross and resurrection of Jesus stand as the ultimate proof that El Elyon cares for us and has already secured victory over every enemy. In the end, it is not our might, but God’s, that brings deliverance and peace.
Key Takeaways
- God Most High is greater than every enemy we face—national, personal, spiritual, or physical. When we encounter battles that are too great for us, we are reminded that our strength is insufficient, but God’s power is limitless. True victory comes not from our own efforts, but from taking refuge in Him, who alone can deliver us from what overwhelms us. [31:12]
- The temptation to seek refuge in lesser things—distraction, substances, relationships, or revenge—can be strong, especially in times of pain or conflict. These substitutes may offer temporary relief, but they cannot bear the weight of our burdens or bring true healing. Only by turning to God Most High do we find lasting refuge and the strength to endure. [41:02]
- Even those who have experienced God’s deliverance, like David, can fall into the trap of taking matters into their own hands, especially when it comes to revenge. The call is to trust God with justice and outcomes, resisting the urge to repay evil for evil. Vengeance belongs to the Lord, and our role is to entrust our hurts and enemies to Him, believing that His ways are higher and His justice perfect. [49:21]
- Humility is essential in our relationship with El Elyon. The story of Nebuchadnezzar teaches that pride leads to downfall, but recognizing God’s supremacy brings restoration. We must continually remind ourselves that there is a God—and we are not Him. Surrendering our pride and control opens the way for God’s grace and guidance in our lives. [56:42]
- Taking refuge in God Most High is an act of faith that involves turning to Him, trusting Him with our deepest concerns, and bringing our anxieties to Him in prayer. This faith is not passive resignation, but active dependence—believing that God cares, that He is able, and that He will work for our good, even when we cannot see the outcome. The cross and resurrection of Jesus are the ultimate assurance that El Elyon is for us and with us. [52:17]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[24:33] - Introduction to El Elyon: God Most High
[27:25] - Abram, Melchizedek, and the First Mention of El Elyon
[29:24] - David’s Song: God’s Supremacy Over Enemies
[31:12] - God is Higher Than Your Enemies
[32:24] - The Four Types of Enemies We Face
[34:14] - Spiritual Warfare: The Enemy Within and Without
[35:36] - Physical Enemies: Sickness, Death, and Suffering
[38:39] - God’s Deliverance and Taking Refuge in Him
[41:02] - False Refuges: Distraction, Substances, People, Revenge
[45:59] - David, Shammai, and the Temptation of Revenge
[47:08] - Mercy and Justice: David’s Oath and Final Instructions
[49:21] - Trusting God with Justice and Outcomes
[52:17] - How to Take Refuge in God Most High
[54:44] - God is Higher Than You: The Story of Nebuchadnezzar
[56:42] - Humility Before El Elyon
[01:00:01] - Trusting God’s Plan and Looking to the Cross
[01:02:15] - Prayer for Those Facing Enemies and Suffering
[01:03:44] - Closing Blessing and Worship
[01:16:29] - Closing and Farewell
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: El Elyon—God Most High
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### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 14:17-20 (ESV)
> After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). 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.
2. 2 Samuel 22:1, 14, 18, 29-31 (ESV)
> And David spoke to the LORD the words of this song on the day when the LORD delivered him from the hand of all his enemies, and from the hand of Saul. ... The LORD thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered his voice. ... He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. ... For you are my lamp, O LORD, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the LORD proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
3. Daniel 4:34-35 (ESV)
> At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Genesis 14, who is Melchizedek and what does he do for Abram after Abram’s victory?
2. According to 2 Samuel 22, what kinds of enemies did David face, and how did he describe their strength compared to his own?
3. What does Nebuchadnezzar realize about God in Daniel 4 after his period of humiliation?
4. The sermon mentioned four types of enemies we face. What are they? ([32:24])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Melchizedek blesses Abram in the name of “God Most High” after a battle Abram could not have won on his own?
2. David says his enemies were “too mighty for me.” What does this reveal about his view of himself and of God? ([31:12])
3. Why do you think people, including David, are tempted to seek refuge in things other than God when facing overwhelming struggles? ([41:02])
4. What lesson does Nebuchadnezzar’s story teach about pride and recognizing God’s supremacy? ([56:42])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon described “false refuges” like distraction, substances, relationships, or revenge. Which of these are you most tempted to turn to when life gets hard? What would it look like to turn to God Most High instead? ([41:02])
2. David sometimes trusted God for justice, but at other times he took matters into his own hands (like with Shammai). When have you been tempted to seek revenge or control an outcome instead of trusting God? What happened? ([49:21])
3. The story of Nebuchadnezzar shows that pride can blind us to God’s authority. Are there areas in your life where you struggle to surrender control or admit you’re not in charge? How can you practice humility before God this week? ([56:42])
4. The sermon said taking refuge in God involves turning to Him, trusting Him, and bringing your cares to Him in prayer. Which of these steps is hardest for you right now, and why? ([52:17])
5. When you face battles that are “too mighty” for you—whether personal, spiritual, or physical—how can you remind yourself that God’s power is greater? Is there a specific situation you need to bring to Him this week? ([31:12])
6. The cross and resurrection of Jesus are described as the ultimate proof that God Most High cares for us and has secured victory. How does remembering the cross help you trust God in your current struggles? ([01:00:01])
7. The sermon mentioned that it can be even harder to trust God with the people we love than with ourselves. Is there someone you need to entrust to God’s care this week? What would that look like in practice? ([53:16])
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Devotional
Day 1: God Most High is Above All Other Powers
The name El Elyon, "God Most High," reveals that God is exalted far above every other power, idol, or force that claims authority in our lives or in the world. There may be many "small g" gods—idols, evil forces, or things that demand our allegiance—but there is only one true God who is the Creator of heaven and earth, and He alone is worthy of our worship and trust. No matter what spiritual or worldly powers you encounter, remember that God Most High reigns supreme and nothing can compare to Him. [24:33]
Psalm 97:9 (ESV)
For you, O Lord, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.
Reflection: What is one "small g" god—an idol, habit, or fear—that tries to claim your attention or allegiance? How can you intentionally acknowledge God as Most High over that area today?
Day 2: God Most High Gives Victory Over Our Enemies
God is higher than any enemy we face—whether national, personal, spiritual, or physical. Like David, who faced overwhelming odds and enemies too mighty for him, we will encounter battles in life that we cannot win on our own. Yet, God Most High is able to deliver us, to rescue us from what is too strong for us, and to be our shield and refuge. When we take refuge in Him, rather than in denial, distraction, substances, people, or revenge, we find true victory and peace. [38:39]
2 Samuel 22:17-20, 29-31 (ESV)
He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy, from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me. ... For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness. For by you I can run against a troop, and by my God I can leap over a wall. This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him.
Reflection: Think of a current struggle or "enemy" in your life. What would it look like to take refuge in God instead of turning to your usual coping mechanisms?
Day 3: Trusting God Instead of Seeking Revenge
When we are wronged, our natural inclination is often to seek revenge or to take matters into our own hands. Yet, God calls us to trust Him with justice and to resist the urge to repay evil for evil. Even David, who showed mercy to Shammai when he was cursed, later struggled with the temptation to seek revenge. God’s way is to turn to Him, trust Him, and let Him be the one who repays. True refuge is found not in vengeance, but in surrendering our hurts and enemies to the Lord. [50:32]
Romans 12:19 (ESV)
Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
Reflection: Is there someone who has wronged you that you are tempted to get back at? What step can you take today to release that desire for revenge and entrust the situation to God?
Day 4: God Most High is Higher Than You—Humility Before God
God is not only higher than our enemies; He is higher than us. Like Nebuchadnezzar, we can be tempted to pride, thinking we are in control or that our achievements are our own. But God humbles the proud and exalts Himself as the true ruler over all. Humbling ourselves before God means recognizing that He is God and we are not, trusting His ways even when we don’t understand, and submitting our plans and desires to His greater wisdom. [01:00:01]
Daniel 4:34-35 (ESV)
At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation; all the inhabitants of the earth are accounted as nothing, and he does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth; and none can stay his hand or say to him, “What have you done?”
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength or take credit for your success? How can you practice humility before God today?
Day 5: Taking Refuge in God Through Faith and Prayer
Taking refuge in God Most High is an act of faith—turning to Him, trusting Him, and bringing our cares to Him in prayer. We are invited to cast all our anxieties on Him, knowing that He cares for us and that His peace will guard our hearts and minds. This is not always easy, especially when we are worried about those we love or facing overwhelming circumstances. But God’s promise is that He is with us, He is for us, and He is able to carry what we cannot. [53:16]
Philippians 4:6-7 (ESV)
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Reflection: What is one specific worry or care you are carrying today? Take a few minutes to pray and intentionally give it to God, asking Him for His peace in return.
Quotes
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