Exodus 20:3

You shall have no other gods before Me.

Exodus 20:3 is the first of the Ten Commandments. It emphasizes the foundational principle of putting Yahweh (YAH) first in our lives, reflecting exclusive devotion and loyalty to Him. Here’s what Scripture tells us about putting YAH first:

1. YAH’s Sovereignty and Holiness
  • Deuteronomy 6:4-5: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”
    • This passage emphasizes that YAH is the only true God, deserving our complete love and devotion.
  • Isaiah 42:8: “I am the Lord; that is My name; and My glory I will not give to another, nor My praise to carved idols.”
    • YAH does not share His glory with any other being or object, calling for undivided worship.
2. The Call to Prioritize YAH
  • Matthew 6:33: “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
    • Prioritizing YAH involves trusting Him to provide for our needs as we focus on His will and ways.
  • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
    • Acknowledging YAH in everything we do is a practical way to put Him first.
3. Devotion Through Obedience
  • John 14:15: “If you love Me, keep My commandments.”
    • Putting YAH first involves living in obedience to His word and commands, as an expression of our love and commitment.
  • Psalm 37:4: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”
    • Devoting ourselves to YAH aligns our hearts with His will and leads to true fulfillment.
4. Warning Against Idolatry
  • Exodus 34:14: “For you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
    • This underscores YAH’s desire for exclusive worship and the danger of idolatry.
  • 1 John 5:21: “Little children, keep yourselves from idols.”
    • Idolatry can take many forms, including materialism, relationships, or anything that takes precedence over YAH.
5. Blessings of Putting YAH First
  • Deuteronomy 28:1-2: “Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments… the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you.”
    • Obedience and prioritizing YAH bring blessings and divine favor.
  • Psalm 16:11: “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
    • Fullness of life and joy are found in YAH’s presence.
Reflection: To put YAH first means surrendering our will, desires, and priorities to align with His. It is an act of love, trust, and obedience, rooted in the acknowledgment of His sovereignty. By doing so, we live in the fullness of His blessings and purpose.

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