Tuesday, 23rd May 2023

Andrews Ampomah

TOPIC: THE LORD IS ONE

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” – Deuteronomy 6:4

PREPARATORY QUESTIONS:

1. Does the Bible approve of the worship of other gods apart from the One true God?
2. Is it right to incorporate selected things from traditions into our worship?

A notable trend is emerging among believers. Some of God's people worship other gods. Some Christians today are members of several cults and societies. Some Christians are also incorporating other religious practices and philosophies into their faith. That's syncretism.

Thus, some believers worship the One true God, but not exclusively.

Israel received the greatest commandment in Deuteronomy 6 as they prepared to enter the land the Lord promised them. The greatest commandment instructs Israel to “…love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.” The Shema—"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one"—preceded this supreme commandment.  This was to emphasize the eternal truth that the only One God deserves their unwavering loyalty and exclusive worship. The Old and New Testaments affirm God's oneness throughout the Israelites' journey. This was to show Israel that there is only one God to worship—monotheism. Recognizing the fact that God was leading the children of Israel to a land whose natives practiced polytheism—the worship of several gods—it was crucial to emphasize absolute loyalty to the worship of the One true God.

By the 'Shema', the Israelites were not to add other gods nor to incorporate the practices of the people of Canaan into the worship of the One true God. 

The Shema, beloved in Christ, is as relevant today as it was to Israel. God saves his people from darkness, so they worship him wholeheartedly. Polytheism is alien to the gospel of Christ Jesus, mixing our worship of the One true God with that of other deities. In Exodus 34:14, we are told to worship only God "...for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."  No one can share in God's worship.

Christians must resist all temptations to worship foreign gods and undermine their allegiance to God.

Beloved in Christ, we must remain steadfastly loyal in worshipping the One true God. Let's denounce any idolatry or compromise that's become trendy. By worshipping God alone, we honor him. Claiming a Christian identity and worshipping other gods is never cool and is a sin. God bless you as you stay true to what the Bible teaches us about worshipping the One true God.

 

FURTHER READING – Exodus 34:14-17

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so  

 

QUESTIONS TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. Does God deserve your unwavering loyalty in worship?

 

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, help me by your Holy Spirit to reject idolatry in any form no matter how subtle it may be. Grant me the grace to at all times never compromise on the truth of your word in Christ Jesus. Amen.

 

1-Year Bible Reading Plan

Joshua 9; Isaiah 13; 1 Timothy 4; 1 Timothy 5;