At first glance we can see that this command was emphasized (mentioned FOUR times!) to the children Israel before they entered the promised land of Canaan and then referenced by Jesus in three of the four books of the gospel, but upon further investigation I found that there is something to learn from each mention:
In the first recording of this command in Deuteronomy 6:5 we find with instruction to keep this command in our heart and teach them to our children, speak of them freely during our daily activities, and write them on your doorposts and gates.
The next recording in Deuteronomy 10:12-13, states that the Lord requires it and that is for your good.
Looking at the surrounding context of the third mention of this command in Deuteronomy 13:2-4, we find that in obeying this command, you prove to God your allegiance and dedication to faithfulness. He wants you to choose serving Him over all else. He does not want you to be led astray by men’s words but to walk after Him, fear Him, serve Him, and hold fast to Him.
In the fourth mention of this command in Deuteronomy 30:6 we find that God will circumcise the heart (see Jeremiah 32:39) to love Him completely – to what purpose? “…that you may live.”
When Jesus recalls this same command to the Pharisees in Matthew 22:34-40, we learn that loving the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind is “the first and great commandment.” On this command (and the second, “Love your neighbour as yourself”) hang all the Law and the Prophets. Everything given as command in the Law and all that was uttered by God’s mouthpieces, the prophets, is based on, and leads everyone back to, this command – the very foundation of righteousness, faith, and hope – to love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength!
In Mark’s writing, we learn that “there is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:28-30) and in Luke’s writing we read the declaration from Jesus, Himself, “do this and you will live” (Luke 10:27-28).
Are you obeying the first and great command? The command that the Lord requires, the command that is for your good, the command that you are to know and live so well that you can speak easily of it and teach your children (or other people in your life) to follow your example in obeying it? The command that benefits you AND others as you obey it? The command that proves your allegiance to God and His way? Are you ready to diligently pursue this selfless love?
Jesus said, “do this and live.” You can have life in His name (see John 20:31 and 1 John 5:11-13)! Love God with ALL your heart, ALL your soul, ALL your mind – give Him your ALL! It is worth every effort and every sacrifice to obey this first and great commandment!!
You can do it! So can I!!
No comments:
Post a Comment