The Commandments are not God’s first word to us. The Commandments are prefaced with an introduction: “I am the Lord, your God.” God says “The Lord is my name. My role is to be the God in your life.”
Everything in the Commandments and Catechism is built upon that foundation. Because we have God providing for us, how foolish it is to turn our back on our God and look elsewhere for what we need. Sin means turning to idols: fearing, loving and trusting them to help us.
Because God knows that there is no better “god” than the Lord our God, we are commanded to call on God’s name alone in every need. If only it were that easy! Our flesh incessantly works to convince us that we’re okay on our own. We don’t need God.
And so God becomes jealous. God grieves for us, as we suffer in our wanton foolishness and pain. And God sends messengers like Zephaniah to remind us that God, out of jealousy, will destroy everything in us that fails to fear, love and trust God alone. Then after the destruction, God will gather the faithful and bring them home. (Zephaniah 3:20)
Open our eyes to appreciate all you provide in our lives, O God. Teach us to trust and follow you alone. Amen. — TG