I have been teaching a bible study in my home for the past gazillion years. At least sometimes it feels that way. There’s not a week that goes by that I don’t feel unworthy to speak about the Word of God. But, week after week, I do. Some weekends find me on a plane, heading to places across the country and even out of the country to do the same. Who am I, I think, to talk about God’s holy Word?
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been teaching my Bible study home group the “Ten Commandments.” We’ve spent weeks just understanding WHO was drawing up this “covenant” and who was receiving it. Where, why, etc. Now, we’re ready to take a look at the very first covenant. “You will have no other gods before me.”
This was important to the Israelites because they were leaving a polytheistic society and walking toward another. God needed to establish the seriousness of worshipping Him and Him alone.
You know, I have to think that we know this. That it’s fairly clear. Then, last night, my granddaughter said something that nearly knocked me off my chair. As she ate dinner, I went through her book bag. I found a little sketch concerning Egypt and the Pharaoh. Jordynn has a little one-liner to speak and a song to learn about the great king of Egypt.
In fact that’s what the song calls him: the great king of Egypt. It goes on to say that Pharaoh never did anything wrong. That he was perfect in all he did and his rule was just.
My granddaughter has rewritten the lyrics. She shared with me how the song is supposed to go…and how she will sing the song while the rest of the class sings it the way it is written. “He is NOT the great king of Egypt…he is NOT perfect…he did a LOT of wrong things.”
I rested my chin on my fist, my elbow on the dining table. “Why are you singing it that way, baby?” I asked her.
She set her face like flint as she said, “Because Jesus doesn’t want me to sing it the other way.” She shook her head. “Nope. Nah-ah.”
“Jesus doesn’t want you to?” I asked. My shoulders straightened and I felt a swell of pride in my heart.
“Nope. Only Jesus is the Great King,” she said. “And only Jesus is perfect and just.”
No other gods… hmmmm…. If a child has the nerve to stand up for Jesus, what is my problem, I thought, when life offers its own gods…and I buy into them? And I’m finding–the older and wiser I become–that “gods” come in all forms. They’re not just bronze idols sitting atop shelves. How often do I say, “Oh…well that’s just…it’s nothing, really….” when I should be saying, “Nope. Nah-ah. Jesus doesn’t want me to….” ?
9 Comments
You go Jordynn gurl! We need to adopt her as our official Boomer Babe mascot. What say you, readers? I think we can learn a lot from this little one. Then again, look who has been leading and guiding her for so many years. “Train up a child.” Good job, Eva. God be with you on this journey of parenting your granddaughter - you are doing exactly what Jesus wants you to do! Uh huh!
I know. I’m so proud I could burst.
Also a bit humbled…
So very cool! I’m near the end of Beth Moore’s Daniel and the realization of how easy it is to slip into the Babylonian mentality (I am and there is no other) is startling and unnerving. Good for your sweet girl!
Then I pick up your book, Oasis, to give as a gift. Of course I sneak a peak and read a bit and with what am I confronted? That my body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, not a temple of ME.
Those pesky other gods take so many forms that seem so obvious at times. How on earth did we ourselves fall into that false god category?
Thanks for reminding us not to waffle.
Flea
Eva, this post is so precious it hurts! What a precious gift you have been given, and I always love the pictures your words paint in my mind.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go soak in the tub and read “Oasis.”
Are we gilty or are we guilty of taking into our bosooms the false gods of this world? I can count a few in my life and pray God to forgive me even as I remove them, some painfully, I admit.
“…and a little child shall lead them”
Thank you Eva for sharing this seemingly minor event with gigantic implications especially for us christian boomer babes. After 50+ years on this earth we do know a thing or two about harboring false gods but Thank God, we also know so much more about the true God of Isreal, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords, Our King, our God, our Lord. Hallelujah!
I found a website in my search for knowing more about the gods in my own life (including this computer!) that I’d like to share with you. I am not endorsing the entire site because I have not seen the entire site, but I loved the six questions asked at the end of this particular article. I encourage you to check them out, print them out, and keep them closeby.
http://www.atmajyoti.org/gn_ten_commandments_beatitudes_2.asp
Hello Eva… I’m not sure if we’ve ever personally met but I’m an AWSA who lurks quietly behind the scenes most of the time! I just wanted to email you and let you know that I was asked to nominate five blogs for the THINKING BLOGGER AWARD and I chose yours. You are all doing such a great job of posting relevant and thought provoking messages… I love your honesty, authenticity and most of all… your deep love for the Lord that pours over to everyone who visits here! You can see how this award works by visiting my blog… http://www.karladornacher.typepad.com/
God bless… with hugs…
Karla
WOW! Karla…I am blown away. Thank you!
And stop all that lurking….
Eva, give yourself credit. I’m sure she’s learned much about her God from you. Passing the faith from generation to generation. Good for you!