Introductory Thoughts
God expects loyalty from man. He is not interested in “worship” that involves Him being one of man’s many gods. In fact, He adamantly opposed this position within the Ten Commandments. There the Lord admonished His people to “have no other gods before” Him (Exodus 20:3). He then warned them not to make nor bow in worship to idols (Exodus 20:4-5). The Lord earned Israel’s loyalty in many ways, but the Bible specifically points to His delivering them from Egypt. It is important to note that God does not expect blind loyalty from man, but He certainly deserves this type of loyalty. He earned man’s loyalty by being his Creator. Yet His ultimate claim to loyalty stems from His offering to redeem fallen man though man is completely unworthy.
Devotional Thoughts
-
(For children): God is the only true God (Isaiah 44:6). He knows idols cannot help anyone (Psalm 115:3-9). Remember Elijahs contest (1 Kings 18:25-39). God told His people to break the idols (Exodus 34:13-14) and not even to speak of them (Exodus 23:13).
-
(For everyone): What are some reasons why you should be loyal to the Lord? What has He done to earn your loyalty? How loyal have you been to Him?
-
How is it disloyal to have other gods before the Lord? How is it disloyal to bow down to or worship things other than the Lord? Have you been disloyal to the Lord? Has He been disloyal to you?
Prayer Thoughts
- Thank God for being loyal to you!
- Ask the Lord to teach you what it means to be loyal.
Song
O WORSHIP THE KING
