Scripture to Read: Exodus 20:3
Our focus this week is on God speaking, what He said to the Israelites and what He speaks to us. In Exodus 20:3, God said, “You shall have no other gods before Me.” When God said this to the Israelites, most of the nations around them worshipped many false gods. Egypt had more than 40 false gods, although none are mentioned by name in Scripture. From what we read in God’s Word, the Israelites were never tempted by these false gods during their 400-plus years of bondage in Egypt. Also, we must remember that the ten plagues God sent against Egypt were each aimed at a specific false god of the Egyptians. So, when God warned the Israelites about worshipping false gods, He was trying to protect them from following any of the false religions of the other nations around them. There are still thousands of false religions around the world today. We may not be tempted to worship a tree, the earth, the sun, or some other object, but we must still guard against “other gods.” Anything that captures our hearts can become a false god. Things like sports, clothes, cars, body image, social media, money, power, popularity, and the list could go on. When we become consumed by any of these things or when any of these things rob us from praying, being in God’s Word, serving our Lord in ministries, and giving financially to ministries, then those other things have become a “god” to us. Nothing should take precedence over our relationship and fellowship with God in our lives!
Challenge & Application
· What kinds of false gods tempt you and seek to steal away your time and money?
· How do you guard against any false god in your life, and what does it look like to worship God alone?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!