“Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is the water under the earth: Thou shalt now bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me: And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6
Today’s Christian daily devotional
It’s beyond freezing outside. Thankfully, we didn’t have to suffer in the elements for too long. John and I are greeted warmly as we duck into the home of our kind friends. It’s the ultimate Sunday night party: Super bowl Sunday!
As we step inside the tiny Chicago bungalow, both of us are instantly smothered in bear hugs. The heavenly scent of warm nachos and cheese entices us to strip off our coats and boots quickly.
The pomp and circumstance of the whole Super bowl drama is quite infectious. I must admit that I couldn’t have cared less about who won or lost the game itself!
As soon as I found a comfortable chair nestled close to my girlfriends, the football game faded into the background for me. I was too busy getting caught up with the other wives. This was, of course, before the half-time show.
While Pepsi did their dramatic countdown, all conversations stopped. Every eye in the room focused on the glowing plasma screen. In the midst of a smoky stage, out strutted beautiful Beyoncé’, in all her glory.
Her performance was beyond captivating; it was mesmerizing. She glittered, glistened and glowed as she bumped, grinded and reminded the world of the reason she’s the top female pop star for today.
Beyoncé’ put on her million dollar show at the incredible rate of probably ten times that.
I wanted to pull my eyes away from the screen, but my eyes felt like they had magnets drawing them back to Beyonce’; I felt powerless to look away.
When I read Exodus 20:4-6, even though it was written over three thousand years ago, it reminds me of a struggle that many of us still deal with in our current society.
Although most Americans don’t think of themselves as typical ‘idol’ worshipers, let me challenge that quick assessment.
Does American Idol ring a bell for you? How about America’s Next Top Model? Ask any grade-schooler who they desire to be like when they grow up and you will be taking the pulse of where the current heartbeat of America is at today.
What is the first thing on your mind when you wake up? The last thing you think about before your head hits the pillow?
You see, idols don’t necessarily have to be celebrities or statues. They can even be ‘good’ distractions such as: our children, spouses or even work that we are passionate about.
When I read Exodus 20:4-6, it gives me a picture of just how passionate God’s love is for His people.
He promises to show mercy and protection for those who honor His commandments and put Him first.
There are many people who are suffering today. It is sad to see that many of these people are even ones who claim to love God.
After reading Exodus 20:4-6, my heart starts to wonder if the source of many of those suffering with sickness and defeat can be explained by their behavior.
So often people are quick to say they love God with their mouths, yet their lives show that they are worshiping a very different god.
Who is your god?
“Dear Heavenly Father,
I remember loving you. I used to pray to you and earnestly seek your will. But, somehow, I got away from all of that. Over time I convinced myself that I was just being ignorant in my youth. I couldn’t possibly understand how the world really worked. Sadly, with age and the ‘wisdom’ of the world, I haven’t gotten much wiser.
God, you know how the world works. It works to corrode and destroy the fabric of the faith we have. The world comes in to seduce man with its lies of grandeur, only to give an empty trinket in place of the peace that only you can provide.
Lord, forgive me. I’ve been listening to lies, watching and worshiping the wrong things and people.
I should have only been listening to you, worshiping you. This is why I haven’t been able to think clearly. This is the reason it has been so long since I have experienced true peace. I know this is why I am ashamed to even come to you in prayer.
There are so many things between us, Lord. These are the things, people and activities that I have placed as more important than you. Oh, Lord. Forgive me.
I know it says in your word that if I repent and turn from my ways, you will heal me. Wash me clean and help me to forgive myself.
I’m ready to start over again, to get to know you and your heart even better than I knew before.
This can only happen if I take the time to pray and read your word. I commit to this, because you are worth it and so am I. Amen.”
Thank you for reading today’s Christian daily devotional on verses: Exodus 20:4-6
Please check back and see what we have for you tomorrow!
Author: Julia Shalom Jordan