The First Commandment

The First Commandment is found in Exodus 20:2-3: "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (KJV) However, if one would read the Jewish translation, it reads as follows: "I am Hashem (this word means "The Name" and refers to God), your God, Who has taken you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery. You shall not recognize the gods of others in My presence." This is a command to have faith in God's existence; that He is eternal and has complete and unfettered power. This command is stated as a simple fact rather than an instruction to do something. God identifies Himself not as the God of creation, but as the strong Warrior that brought salvation to Israel. God is saying as long as I exist, there are to be no gods brought into My Presence. Therefore, this prohibition is permanent.

How might one today "recognize the gods of others in God's presence?" The answer is found when we doubt His authority to bring His Word about; it happens when we speak doubt and worry. If we do these things, we are bringing a "bigger god" into Hashem's presence. We are saying in effect, that He cannot take care of whatever it is that we worry about. We live in a fallen world with problems abounding; however, our God is well able to finish what He started both in our lives and in this world. Think not that God has abrogated His authority to satan. No, God is 100% still in charge and the First Commandment demands our acknowledgement and lives manifest that truth.

Today, ask yourself, "do you think God is still in charge?" Don't be too quick to give the "right answer," Examine your actions and not your mental beliefs. What do your actions and speech say about your obedience to the First Commandment? We want to live a life that is pleasing to God and it begins right here.