How does Revelation 22:9 connect to the First Commandment in Exodus 20:3? Setting the Scene in Revelation 22:9 “But he said to me, ‘Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God!’” (Revelation 22:9) • John, overwhelmed by heavenly glory, instinctively bows to an angel. • The angel immediately redirects him: “Worship God!”—a concise, uncompromising command. • Even a glorious, sinless angel refuses any honor that belongs to the Lord alone. The First Commandment: Exclusive Allegiance “You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) • The very first word God engraves in stone is about worship. • “Before Me” literally means “in My presence,” which is everywhere; therefore, no rival, visible or invisible, may share His throne. • The command establishes the foundational loyalty that shapes every other commandment. A Direct Connection Between the Two Verses • Revelation 22:9 practically illustrates Exodus 20:3. • John’s misplaced reverence becomes a living example of what the first commandment forbids. • The angel’s correction—“Worship God!”—is the positive restatement of “You shall have no other gods before Me.” Echoes Throughout Scripture • Deuteronomy 6:13: “Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only…” echoed by Jesus in Matthew 4:10 when He rebukes Satan: “For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.’” • Isaiah 42:8: “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols.” • Psalm 29:2: “Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.” • Acts 14:11-15: Paul and Barnabas tear their clothes when the crowd tries to worship them, crying, “We too are only men, human like you… turn from these worthless things to the living God.” Why Even Angels Refuse Worship • Created beings, however magnificent, are servants, not sovereign. • Accepting worship would elevate a creature to “god” status—precisely what Exodus 20:3 forbids. • Satan’s fall (Isaiah 14:12-15) began with a desire for God’s glory; righteous angels flee from that temptation. Practical Takeaways for Today • Guard your heart: anything that captures ultimate trust, love, or obedience becomes an idol—career, family, technology, or even ministry. • Test every spiritual experience: if it draws attention away from God to a messenger, method, or movement, it violates the first commandment. • Keep Scripture central: Revelation 22:9 and Exodus 20:3 together reinforce a lifelong posture—bow only to the Lord. • Cultivate humility: if angels step aside so all honor goes to God, how much more should we redirect any praise we receive back to Him. |
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