Hear O Israel

June 23, 2020

In this passage we hear the origin of Jesus’ famous summary of the Law – that we should love God with all of our heart, soul, mind and strength. To worship the one true God is to be fully devoted to God. As you read, reflect on how God is call you to devote yourself more fully to the LORD. 

SCRIPTURE

Click her to read from Deuteronomy 6:4-19

Study the passage using this Bible Study method.

REFLECTION

Hear O Israel

By Tom Richards

Today’s reading begins with the Shema – “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is one.  Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Shema is the Hebrew word for hear. These words are special to Jews and are recited as part of prayers and at the beginning of synagogue services. Jesus famously quoted this verse in Mark 12: 29-31 when Jewish rabbis asked him which was the most important law or commandment. He recites the Shema and adds “Love your neighbor as yourself” to complete his answer. 

Immediately following the Shema Moses tells the Jews that “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts” and provides instruction on how to make that happen in the following verses.    This is a good reminder for us.

Thanks to technology we have access to a constant flow of information regarding “this world” – some true, some not so much.  I am very easily lured to my iPhone and my favorite news app, filling my mind with news and numerous opinions regarding it. (That has been especially true in recent weeks). While this practice may not inherently be wrong, too much of this exposure can negatively affect my attitude and outlook on life. 

When I discipline myself by keeping God’s word and his commandments “on my heart” I find that my attitude changes in a positive way. I can view the news of this world from a different perspective – a perspective founded on eternal truth, not someone’s opinion. This is an ongoing struggle for me, but thanks to the same technology that can be a distraction, I also can access various Christian media that can help me fill me with God’s word.

I know that there will always be bad news to deal with in this world because of sin, but I must remember that I am to love God and love my neighbor, regardless of the circumstances – that is what Jesus wants from me. Jesus has overcome sin and offers his life-giving grace and forgiveness to all who believe. That is the news that I need to keep “on my heart.”

UALC’s Campaign of Prayer