“Say ‘No’ To Other Gods!”

“Say “No” To Other Gods!”
In giving the Ten Commandments to the Israelites God reminded them, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.”
As an African I see Egypt more of a place of safety and security than a place of slavery. It is true that “a new king, who did not know Joseph, came to power…” and asked his people to deal shrewdly with the Israelites (Ex.1:8ff). But even so, Egypt was a hospitable place of asylum, first to Abraham, then Jacob and his sons and later to baby Jesus; when his life was threatened by Herod.
In our day it is important to know that God has brought us out of the land where we were slaves to sin.
Having freed us from the bondage of sin, God warns, *”You shall have no other gods before me.” Furthermore, God does not want us to make any representation of anything whether in heaven, land or sea; talk less of bowing to them or worshipping them. And it may sound strange to us that God says, *”…I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…”*
God’s jealousy is protective jealousy for the thing that is precious to him. He loves those whom he has ransomed because they love him and obey his commandments, he will show them love to a thousand generations. But those who disobey he will punish their children for the sin of their fathers to the third and fourth generations (Ex,20:1-6).
We may be worried why such a compassionate God will punish children for the sin of fathers? Since God’s revelation was progressive till Christ, the prophets forsaw the day when “it will no longer be said, ‘the parents have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge'”(Jer.31:29, Ez.18:2). The soul that sins shall die!
He did this through the final revelation in Jesus Christ who revealed God’s glory to those who seek the Lord in earnest (Jn.17:1-8).
My friend, “In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent…”(Acts 17:16-34) and believe in his Son Jesus Christ. If there is anything in this world that you idolize, be sure you are provoking the anger of God. May the Holy Spirit enable you to believe In Jesus Christ the only Son of the Father who is one with the Father.
Sunday prayer: Holy Spirit strengthen my resolve not to have any other God except the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!
Have a blessed Sunday! Peace be with you!