Kingdom Foreshadowed Part 6

At Keys Vineyard Church, we are presenting a series called ‘Kingdom Foreshadowed,’ which we post here on Online Bible Institute.

This week, as we continue our Kingdom Foreshadowed series, we will begin our discussion of the ten words (10 Commandments) and talk about rest.

Exodus 20:1-5a (NIV)
1 And God spoke all these words: 2 “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. 3 “You shall have no other gods before me. 4 “You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them;

The passage from Exodus 20:1-5a (NIV) shows an important part of God’s character and how He relates to His people. When God says, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery,” He shows Himself as the deliverer, a God who steps into history to free His people from oppression. This act of saving His people is the foundation of the first commandment.

When God commands, “You shall have no other gods before me,” He sets Himself apart from other gods. Unlike the gods of other nations, who often required endless rituals and sacrifices, the God of Israel asks for exclusive worship based on a special relationship. This relationship is not about transactions or producing goods and services; it’s built on love, trust, and mutual commitment, a testament to the depth of God’s love and commitment to His people.

God’s command not to make or worship idols highlights this special relationship. Idols, whether made to look like beings from the sky, earth, or sea, misrepresent true worship. They turn the divine into something tangible and controllable, which goes against God’s nature. The God of Israel cannot be contained in physical objects; He is alive and active, seeking a real relationship with His people.

By telling His people not to bow down to or worship idols, God protects them from the harmful effects of idolatry. Idolatry often leads to the exploitation and mistreatment of people, as seen in Egypt, where people were valued only for their labor. God’s commandment reminds His people of their own freedom and encourages them to be a community where everyone is valued for who they are, not just what they can produce, emphasizing the importance of God’s commandment in preserving individual and community worth.

In short, the First Commandment calls us to see God’s unique identity and enter into a relationship that goes beyond mere duty or production. It invites us to a life of worship that celebrates freedom, dignity, and the true worth of every person. Through this relationship, God’s people are reminded that their value comes not from what they do but from who they are as beloved partners in a meaningful covenant with their Creator.

We will discuss all this and more this weekend at Keys Vineyard Church, so be sure to join us in person or online.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.