The Ten Commandments: Love God Above All

Welcome, young readers, to our journey through the Ten Commandments—a set of laws given to us by God to show us how to live in a way that pleases Him and brings blessings to our lives. These commandments have a rich and significant origin that dates back to ancient times. Today, as we begin with the first commandment, let's take a moment to explore the background and context in which these commandments were given, including the remarkable details of the stone tablets on which they were inscribed.

Devotional

The Ten Commandments were given to the Israelites by God through Moses on Mount Sinai. After rescuing them from slavery in Egypt, God led His people through the wilderness towards the Promised Land. It was during this journey that God chose to reveal His commandments and establish a covenant—a special agreement—with His people.

When God called Moses up the mountain, He inscribed the commandments on two stone tablets. These tablets were not ordinary tablets; they were made of stone and inscribed with the very finger of God (Exodus 31:18). The fact that God Himself wrote these commandments on stone tablets emphasizes their significance and permanence.

The first commandment, "You shall have no other gods before me" (Exodus 20:3), holds a place of utmost importance on these stone tablets. It stands as the foundational principle for all the other commandments. God wanted to make it clear to His people that He alone is deserving of their worship and devotion.

The stone tablets serve as a tangible representation of God's covenant with His people. They were meant to be a lasting reminder of His law and His faithfulness. The tablets were to be kept in the Ark of the Covenant—a sacred container that housed God's presence among the Israelites.

Though we may not have physical stone tablets today, the significance of the commandments remains. The first commandment calls us to love and prioritize God above all else. It challenges us to examine our hearts and lives, ensuring that nothing takes precedence over our relationship with Him.

Jesus affirmed the importance of the first commandment when He declared, "'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the great and first commandment" (Matthew 22:37-38). Jesus showed us that loving God above all should be the guiding principle of our lives.

Questions for children:
1. How were the Ten Commandments given to the Israelites?
2. What were the stone tablets made of, and who inscribed them?
3. Why is the first commandment significant for us today?

Take a moment to reflect on these questions, and let's pray:

"Dear God, thank You for giving us Your commandments to guide us. Help us to understand the significance of loving You above all and to keep Your commandments in our hearts. Fill us with a desire to worship and obey You. May our lives reflect Your love and faithfulness. In Jesus' name, Amen."

Remember, dear children, the first commandment teaches us to love and worship God above all else. In the next devotional, we will explore the second commandment. May you continue to grow in your love and devotion to God, who is worthy of all honor and praise!