DCLM Daily Manna May 15, 2017 By Pastor Kumuyi – Without A Rival

Topic: Without A Rival [Monday May 15, 2017]

Text: Exodus 20:1-17

Key Verse: "I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage" (Exodus 20:2).

In the days of the ancient Near East empires, which was the period the children of Israel sojourned in the wilderness on their way to Canaan, it was the norm for a king to set forth a treaty that established his lordship over the people. This document took the form of laws the subjects must obey to appreciate the king’s guidance.

The Ten Commandments God gave to Israel in the third month of their deliverance from Egyptian bondage was also the Lord’s unquestionable statement that He was their King and that Israel was His covenant people bound to Him by rules. They must offer Him complete devotion and loyalty in sheer gratitude for His mercies.

That is why He began the laws with "I am the LORD, thy God" to make the proclamation that only His Word would hold sway if the people under Him would enjoy life to the full. There would be no allegiance to any other lord whether in the shape of images or in the form of human beings. In Israel’s heart and way of life, no idol tending to represent the invisible God would be allowed any room. A throne was installed in the soul of every Israelite and only God must sit there. Now, this Benevolent God did not give rules solely about exclusive divine adoration. He also had laws for acceptable interpersonal relationships that would usher in sanity in society. There must be no murder, stealing, fornication, adultery or parental disrespect.

God’s laws bring life. The defeat, despair, death and destruction man has encountered for generations are a result of his rebellion against God. In the Christian dispensation brought by Jesus Christ, the law has been fulfilled through the grace of salvation which enables the born-again child of God to easily submit to the absolute lordship of the Creator. To receive and enjoy the fullness that is in Christ therefore, let Him have absolute reign over you.

Thought for the day: God alone must reign in your heart.

Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Chronicles 30-33

DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.