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CONLEY COMMENTARY (WSAU) – Consider God’s deliverance of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt. First, he spoke to Moses through the burning bush and told him to tell Pharaoh to free the Jews. Then he sent the plagues. Then he parted the Red Sea to allow his chosen people to escape. And he fed them mana while they wandered in the wilderness. Then, and only then, did God give his law, the Ten Commandments, to the people.
God’s first law: “I am the Lord your God. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”
This was a radical departure from how things had been. Before Moses brought down God’s law, people prayed to idols. They hoped to win the favor of these false gods. If, and only if, the gods were pleased they would deliver. If the people prayed to the sun god and it was cloudy, they didn’t do it right. If a farmer prayed to the god of rain and the ground was dry, clearly that god hadn’t been properly pleased.
Yet the God of Abraham – our God – says I will go first. I will deliver you from slavery, I will vanquish your enemies, I will feed and care for you. And only after that, God asks for what He wants in return: our obedience to his law.
I’m far from perfect. Money and my career surely play too large a role in my life. May they never rise to the level of becoming false gods. My sins weigh heavier on me because I know who God is. He’s real in my life. I am convinced of God’s presence beyond all doubt.
Just like the ancient Jews, God’s blessings in my life are overwhelming. And I have received them while I am still a sinner. They cannot be repaid. All I can do is give thanks… and confess when I’ve messed up. God, forgive me when I violate your first commandment. In our lives, nothing should come before you.
Today I ask you to become a regular donor to the Gospel TLC. It’s a home for men who are working to beat their addictions and might otherwise be homeless. If you’d like to make a monthly donation, there’s a link here.
The Gospel TLC also needs day-to-day food and household items, like eggs, sour cream, meat and chicken, dishwasher pods, laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Those items can be dropped off at the Gospel TLC building on Crosse Point Boulevard near the hospital in Weston.
Chris Conley
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