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Beside Me There is No Other

by Pastor Nilo Briones of Jesus Word of Life

I’d like to think that exclusivity is an integral common part of any given culture, time and space. Even in our relationship with God, the first commandment, “You shall not have other gods before Me” speaks emphatically that the true God of heaven deserves our obedience and is to be worshiped alone. This command was originally given to the Israelites, the chosen people of God, after they were delivered from 400 years of bondage in Egypt, which was at that time filled with idolatry, falsehood and oppression.

We are commanded not to have other gods of religion, gods of emotion or gods of devotion. Any person, thing, idea or concept can become our god We are not going to be devoted to anything or to anyone in any way that supersedes God or contradicts His teachings from the true biblical Christianity. The moment you depend on something for protection or “good luck,” then that is your god. You are actually replacing God when you depend on someone so much that, without that someone, everything in you seems to fall apart. Remember, they don’t become like gods; you’re the one who treat them like gods, and this is actually hostility toward the one and only living God thus breaking the command.
Why are we not to have other gods? Is God egocentric and selfish that this commandment was issued to us? Absolutely not! Why then? Because having another god means going back to slavery. When man is disappointed, frustrated, broken-hearted with the one he/she holds ever dearly (more than God!), his/her tendency is to go back to Egypt (not geographically, but “to commit sin” by being rebellious against God’s will). Remember, God gave the First Commandment for our welfare and not to shackle us through life with heartaches and troubles. God always has the best interest for us being loving and just.

Moreover, there are other blissful reasons why: First, to the Israelites, It was God who mightily delivered them from slavery through the leadership of Moses. The same thing with us, it’s the Lord who saved us from the bondage of sin (so why go back to the old sinful life and be subjected again to Satan the great liar and oppressive master?) Second, only the Lord promised not to leave us nor forsake us. There is no perfect relationship on this earthly life — sometimes, somehow we’re hurt or we’re hurting and (whether we like it or not) our loved ones may leave us or we depart them. Not with God as He promised (in Heb. 13:5) not to leave us nor forsake us. Only God can love us perfectly throughout eternity. Third, only God can bless us. Prayer in His holy name is His appointed way for us to obtain His blessings. Jesus said (in John 14:6), “I am the way, the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through me.” The Lord is our provider and sustainer who is ever present at all times in all life’s situations. He alone can deliver us from any bondage of sin like fear, worries, and even from death. And that’s why He alone deserves our praise and worship!

Jesus Word of Life Church is congregated at: 175 Whitefield Drive NE, Calgary (near Whitehorn C-train stn) Join our Saturday services which include Bible Study (children/youth/adult) at 4:30 p.m. and Worship at 6:00-7:30 p.m. followed by dinner and fellowship. If you need to be ministered in prayer, please do not hesitate to call Pastor Nilo at 403-280-7979 or 403-973-0623.

Beside Me There is No Other

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