Exodus 20:3-4 - The True God

There are many art projects that look back at historical pieces and take their inspiration from imagery that has meaning beyond just what is seen.  For example our 2nd graders have a project that uses the Aztec sun stone image.  This image is very popular, especially in younger art classrooms.  The purpose of this sun stone remains unclear though theories range from that it is a depiction of some deity to the stone itself was the surface used in gladiatorial sacrifices.

Exodus 20:3-4 reads:

3 Do not put any other gods in place of me.

4 Do not make statues of gods that look like anything in the sky or on the earth or in the waters.

When doing this project we look back at what the art was made for.  This is done so that we can look back at the origins of art and the truth of its meanings.  The sun is beautiful and it is easy to understand the majesty that inspired the Aztecs to look upon it with such reverence; but by no means do the 2nd graders now think that it is a god - nor should they.

To look at the sun, we can see God's creative hand.  We can also see this same creativity when we look at the moon, the stars, the ocean, the mountains, etc.  All of creation speaks to the works of His mighty hand.

There is one God, and he alone is worthy.