“Father . . . glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you. . . . Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.”

— John 17:1-3

Many years before Jesus came, the Lord God Almighty called Abraham and made promises to him—and Abraham trusted and followed (Genesis 12:1-8). At that time most people believed in many different gods, and all the nations claimed they had gods of their own.

The Lord, however, taught Abraham and his descendants that he is the only true God. And he often demonstrated that by overthrowing the false gods of other nations. For example, when God delivered his people Israel from slavery in Egypt, he sent ten plagues that showed his power over Egypt’s gods: the Nile god, the harvest god, the sun god, and so on (Exodus 7-12).

God showed that he is the creator and sustainer of the whole world. The God of Israel was not attached to one aspect of the world, but moved throughout the whole world and controlled the events of history.

Jesus came to reveal the one true God and his salvation for the whole world (John 3:16). And he calls everyone to believe in him as Savior. Jesus is also one with God and with the Holy Spirit (see John 14:8-21; 16:7-15).

Even today people worship other gods—wealth, sports teams, Shiva and Vishnu, and more. They will all pass away. None of them could ever direct history or provide salvation. Only the God revealed in Jesus can do that. Worship only him.

Dear Jesus, thank you for revealing the true God to us and for being our Savior. Amen.