In the world of Psychology, a prominent figure, Doctor Jordan Peterson, has made quite a name for himself as an online influencer. Renowned for his insightful perspectives, he’s gained recognition through his YouTube presence with classroom lectures, particularly those where he dissects classical tales. Notably, the timeless story of Pinocchio. You can really gain popularity debating on panels and in one-on-one news debates, notably regarding the compelled speech laws that they’re passing in Canada.
With his popularity and ability to resonate with so many, Peterson ventured into speaking tours. A reoccurring question emerged in the aftermath of his talks: “Do you believe in God?” Despite his intellectual prowess, a visible, mental discomfort accompanied his responses. His contemplative and troubled expression vividly evident in these moments, reflected a struggle not only with the question itself, but with the nature of it. As though his entire character, his body of work, all that he was, would be summed up in how he answered this question.
It wasn’t merely a query about his personal belief. In some sense, it was kind of a “gotcha question,” and he could sense that. And perhaps what struck me was Peterson’s evident disdain for the simplicity with which this question was often posed. As though belief in God could be encapsulated in a declarative statement like this. As he grappled with each instance, it became apparent that he perceived that, belief in God was something far more profound than a mere assertion of faith.
To him belief is a call to action. Demanding a commitment that surpasses this easy proclamation of righteousness. Today I would like to delve into a small piece of the profound subject of belief in God. Exploring its significance within the context of the first commandment.
God’s laws are often perceived as obligatory directives. Seemingly performed to earn favor. However, I aim to highlight the practical implications of this commandment. To examine the precursor of the commandment, and how that applies to us, and in particular concerning our belief in God.
The Israelites ensnared by Pharaohs oppressive hand endured the hardships of slavery and fervently cried out for liberation. Their desperate please reached the ears of the Almighty. God responded by raising up a leader named Moses, who confronted Pharaoh demanding the release of his people. Yet despite witnessing awe inspiring plagues unleashed upon Egypt, Pharaoh’s heart remained hardened, persistently refusing to let Israel go. As the Israelites prepared to depart, they were instructed to mark their doorposts with the blood of a lamb, an act of obedience and a sign for protection from the final and devastating plague. And that was the death of the first born.
This act of obedience foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, symbolized a future salvation for all who believe. So, with trembling hearts, and a hopeful spirit, the Israelites embarked on a journey into the unknown. Guided by the reassuring presence of God, a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night. Their path led them to the shores of the Red Sea, where Pharaoh’s army relentlessly pursued them. Trapped, between the wrath of Egypt and the vast expanse of the Red Sea, the Israelites faced what seemed an insurmountable obstacle. Yet in His infinite wisdom, God orchestrated a miraculous deliverance, the parting of the Red Sea, which allowed his people to pass through on dry ground.
Likewise, throughout the Bible, Israel was also reminded of this deliverance from their slavery in Egypt. Often time they had to be reminded of this when they were turning from God. I found sixty direct references to Israel being reminded of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. And this narrative serves as the precursor to the first commandment. A statement echoing God’s power, His willingness to hear prayers, and the liberating deliverance He had already provided, all encapsulated in the declaration, “I am the Lord your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Out of the House of bondage.” As we reflect on the liberation of the Israelites from the House of bondage we find echoes of this statement resonating into the future:
“Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, 15and release those who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage” (Hebrews 2:14-15).
This profound statement not only symbolizes a greater fulfillment, freeing humanity from the bondage of this world and the dominion of its ruler, but it’s also a statement for each of us, in the present. Just as God delivered Israel from Egypt to establish a special relationship. He desires to free us from the entanglements of this evil, sick and dying world.
His motivations remain consistent. A longing for a unique and meaningful relationship with each of us, as He did with physical Israel. And God’s desire has always been for a relationship with his people. We find this sentiment expressed throughout the Old Testament in similar sayings to this, “If you obey me fully and keep my covenant then, out of all the nations, you will be my treasured possession, although the whole earth is mine. You will be for me a Kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
And this desire extends beyond the confines of the Old Testament. The New Testament amplifies this idea. And it’s including those who are called now as a chosen and called out people:
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into the wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9 NIV).
So, God’s enduring desire for a special relationship is reiterated to those he calls in our time. This connection between the historical liberation of Israel, the redemption through Christ, and God’s continuous call for unique relationship, forms a bond with all those on this spiritual journey.
This understanding brings us to the significant part of the matter, the first commandment. “You shall have no other gods before God.” It’s a command intricately tied to belief in God. Throughout the Old Testament, the laments of God, often conveyed through His prophets, resound with sorrow over Israel’s lack of belief and their constant turning to foreign gods, those unknown and powerless weak gods.
Consider the poignant words of Jeremiah uttered during a time historically turbulent for Israel, especially for Judah. This is well after the exodus, and the era of the judges, through most of the kings, the division of the Northern 10 tribes, and the fall of the northern Kingdom of Israel. After all of that history, Jeremiah says this:
“Has a nation changed its gods, Which are not gods? But My people have changed their Glory For what does not profit. 12 Be astonished, O heavens, at this, And be horribly afraid; Be very desolate,” says the LORD. 13 “For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns—broken cisterns that can hold no water,” (Jeremiah 2:11–13 NKJV)
Jeremiah was emphasizing that belief in God is not merely a verbal declaration. It is action based. The saying “Talk is cheap,” aptly applies here. Proclaiming “I believe in God” carries weight only when our actions align with that belief. So, do we truly rely on God? Are we demonstrating our belief? Or do we turn elsewhere, especially when faced with challenges? Are we digging our own cisterns? Exposing our lack of genuine faith.
Consider the pivotal moment with Eve and the serpent despite her potential affirmation in her belief in God. Meaning, if we were there, maybe before this incident and we were to ask Eve, “Do you believe in God?” I would guess that she would answer, “Well, yes. I believe in God.” But the incident with the serpent highlights the all-too-common discrepancy between verbal professions of belief and the actions that align with our true allegiance. And the sad truth, that from that ancient incident to countless others in the archives of history, humanity has consistently faltered in keeping this first commandment.
Its foundational placement as the first commandment is no coincidence because of this. Just as the New Testament asserts that one cannot love God and break His commandments. Similarly, one cannot genuinely say they believe in God and disregard His commandments. Because to do so is to elevate something else above God through our actions, effectively making that thing, the god to which we turn.
“I believe in God,” should not be a shallow utterance. It should be a proclamation manifested in our daily choices and actions, reinforcing the profound truth encapsulated in the first commandment.
Ryan Welsh