When God shows up undeniably, it is fitting to worship Him accordingly. Our perspective changes significantly once we comprehend who He is and what He does.
When the nation of Israel escaped from slavery due to the LORD’s intervention, they were on the way to the Promised Land. They approached the Red Sea, and the enemies changed their minds and decided to reclaim their former property. Yahweh (the LORD) rescued them by parting the sea and allowing them to walk on dry ground.
On the other side of the sea, with their enemies no longer a threat, they began to sing.
They had to sing.
11 LORD, who is like you among the gods?
Exodus 15:11-13
Who is like you, glorious in holiness,
revered with praises, performing wonders?
12 You stretched out your right hand,
and the earth swallowed them.
13 With your faithful love,
you will lead the people
you have redeemed;
you will guide them to your holy dwelling
with your strength.
As Israel’s song echoed out, they compared Yahweh to the lesser gods they had experienced while in Egypt. “LORD, who is like you among the gods? Who is like you, glorious in holiness, revered with praises, performing wonders?” (Exodus 15:11). For 400 years, the Israelites lived in a land with a god on every corner. But once Yahweh challenged them, they watched Him decimate the competition.Â
Every one of the plagues was God dethroning one of Egypt’s gods or goddesses.
- Did you know that Egypt worshiped a frog-faced goddess named Heqet? That made the land seem helpless when it was overrun with frogs they couldn’t stop (Exodus 8:1-15).
- The plague on the livestock (Exodus 9:1-7) must have made them question the cow-faced god’s, Apis, ability to provide the answers he promised to give.
- They worshiped the sun god, Amon-Re, but how could they continue once Yahweh turned out the lights (Exodus 10:21-29)?Â
In every interaction, Yahweh proved Himself superior to every rival god. He wasn’t doing this in competition but in compassion. He knew these gods to be fake distractions from the Egyptians, knowing true salvation through Him, so Yahweh dethroned every single one before their eyes. The Israelites knew it for sure now. There was none like Him!
The unrivaled God deserves unbridled worship.
He is worthy of our worship (Exodus 15:11). His power rescued the Israelites in a mighty way (Exodus 15:12). Yahweh’s faithful love led these people to redemption all the way to the place He promised to take them (Exodus 15:13).
If God could humble the most powerful ruler in the world and dethrone all false gods deceiving the masses, what can’t He do for you? We must remedy any traces of weak theology that worships a God we can manage or control.
This Yahweh is in a category all by Himself! There is no god like Him, so there should be no devotion in our lives that is superior to what we show Him.
Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.
