"THE BELIEVER'S CHIEF BLESSING" (Pastor Tom Henry) ~ 8/13/26

“And God spake all these words, saying, I am the LORD thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.” (Exodus 20:1, 2)

These words form the preface of the Ten Words spoken by the Lord to His redeemed people who were assembled at the foot of Sinai after their deliverance out of Egypt. These Commandments are basic to the Moral Law by which the Lord’s people will be set apart from all of the peoples of the earth. This, in itself, is a great blessing. Good and wise parents will establish rules and set guidelines for their children. They do this for their protection and also to preserve their reputation. Thus, the Lord gave the Law, not to punish His people, or deny them any good thing, but rather to bless them. “Righteousness exalteth a nation but sin is a reproach to any people.” (Prov. 14:34) The chief “advantage” that the Israelites had over all other people was that “unto them were committed the oracles of God.” (Rom. 3:1, 2) “Oracles of God” indeed! These Ten Words were not spoken through an angel or a prophet, but by the mouth of God Himself. There is no, “Thus saith the Lord,” but simply, “I am the Lord thy God.” God Himself blessed His people with His holy Law; that which, more than anything else, would set them apart from all peoples of the earth, and identify them as His people.

Our text contains another blessing, which must indeed be considered the chief of all. “I am the Lord thy God.” The greatest blessing God gives to His own is Himself. The child whose parents care enough to establish rules and boundaries for their well-being ought to be grateful, for this shows that they are blessed with good parents. Likewise, the believer’s greater blessing is God Himself. His holy Law, which the Holy Spirit writes in the regenerate heart is a reflection of His holy character. God Himself is the unspeakable gift from which all other blessings flow.

Notice who He is. This He declares in His Name. “I am the Lord thy God.” We see His essential greatness, “thy God.” Elohim, the Three in One; Elshadi; The Almighty God; the triune, omnipotent, omniscient, omnipresent God is ours. His relative goodness is ours, “The Lord thy God,” i.e. Jehovah. He is Jehovah Shalom (our peace); Jehovah-Jireh (our provider); He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu (our righteousness), and much more. He declares His personal relationship, “Thy God.” Like Thomas, every believer can say, “My Lord and my God.” Is this not our chief blessing?

God gives to His redeemed people, Himself, and this includes all goodness and blessings. Believers have in their God divine wisdom to teach and guide them. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally...” (James 1:5) They have His power to support them. God’s people must go through many trials, dangers, and struggles, but regardless of what comes our way, we cannot fall, because “underneath are the everlasting arms.” (Deut. 33:27) We can always count on His grace to comfort us. In fact, one duty assigned to us as believers is to comfort others with the very comfort wherewith, we are comforted of God. (II Cor. 1:4) His providence is ever working in our favor. “But my God shall supply all your need, according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19) David says, “yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” God is our all in all! In Him we have every good thing.

Certain obligations are incumbent upon all who have been so blessed. These obligations are also privileges. For example, we must cast all our cares upon Him. (I Pet. 5:7) We are also duty bound to be content. Paul learned this, and so must we. “…no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Ps. 84:11) God’s Word commands that we be cheerful. “Rejoice evermore.” (I Thess. 5:16) Let us also consider it our duty, and our privilege, to continuously praise the name of the Lord our God, Who has made us His own by redemption, and has given Himself to us. Clearly, the chief blessing that God has given to His people is Himself.