Love the Lord Your God
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." - Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Our adult Sunday school class is studying the laws, traditions, and rituals of the Israelite people. The verses above are a keystone in the Hebrew Scriptures. These verses - the "shema" (hear) - are the cornerstone of the Jewish faith. The commandment is not just a creed but a life-code that is meant to be at the forefront of every observant Jew.
But does it apply to Christians? Mark 12:28-34 tells of the religious legalist who asked Jesus which was the most important commandment of all. Jesus' immediate response was to quote Deuteronomy 6:4-5. So Jesus also named it the primary commandment for his followers. These words need to be foremost in our minds and hearts as well. Our identity is as people of God, and we offer God alone our ultimate allegiance. God also asks each of us to love in a way that holds nothing back. We are to give our absolute and undivided loyalty to God. We should use all we have – wealth, talents, and time – in the service of God. Our love for God should absolutely control our lives and control our behavior in our homes, our church, and in the world. John Wesley describes entire justification as a heart filled with love for God and neighbor.
Lent often has us thinking of what to give up. This year I am concentrating on what I can add to implement this commandment in every area of my life. This could be looked at as a burden. But just think! The most important commandment we are given is to enter into a relationship of love with God!! Alleluia!!
Noelle Landin
"Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." - Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Our adult Sunday school class is studying the laws, traditions, and rituals of the Israelite people. The verses above are a keystone in the Hebrew Scriptures. These verses - the "shema" (hear) - are the cornerstone of the Jewish faith. The commandment is not just a creed but a life-code that is meant to be at the forefront of every observant Jew.
But does it apply to Christians? Mark 12:28-34 tells of the religious legalist who asked Jesus which was the most important commandment of all. Jesus' immediate response was to quote Deuteronomy 6:4-5. So Jesus also named it the primary commandment for his followers. These words need to be foremost in our minds and hearts as well. Our identity is as people of God, and we offer God alone our ultimate allegiance. God also asks each of us to love in a way that holds nothing back. We are to give our absolute and undivided loyalty to God. We should use all we have – wealth, talents, and time – in the service of God. Our love for God should absolutely control our lives and control our behavior in our homes, our church, and in the world. John Wesley describes entire justification as a heart filled with love for God and neighbor.
Lent often has us thinking of what to give up. This year I am concentrating on what I can add to implement this commandment in every area of my life. This could be looked at as a burden. But just think! The most important commandment we are given is to enter into a relationship of love with God!! Alleluia!!
Noelle Landin
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