First and Foremost

Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

Exodus 20:3

God refuses to have competition.  He will not share the stage with any other person, theory, or thing.  God demands exclusivity.

Some legal transactions include exclusivity clauses, meaning there can be no competing loyalties, obligations, or agreements.

God gave the Ten Commandments to the brand-new nation of Israel at Mount Sinai following their exodus from Egypt.  The ensuing chapters include God's covenant with His people.  In modern terms, He made a constitution with Israel, explaining the expectations, roles, and duties of each side of the agreement.

Essential to understanding the entire covenant relationship with Jehovah is the basic truth that the Lord must be their only God.  In a polytheistic world with many pagan deities, Jehovah declares He is the only One.  The Jews, like us, would daily be tempted to go their own way, feed their natural lusts and fears, and seek wisdom and help from the pagan world. Instead, the Lord insists on His supremacy.  Falling in love with Jesus and staying close to Him is the only cure for idolatry.  He wants our love, trust, volition, and obedience.

Father , keep me close to You first and foremost.

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