Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV
Before Israel was to enter the Promised Land, Moses imparted these instructions. First, they were to love God completely. Not something they've had a record of doing up to this point. Knowing they didn't understand how to love God, he gives specific areas.
First, they were to teach their children. Then, it was necessary to pass along the story of God's deliverance from the bondage in Egypt, and it was he that gave them their inheritance. Today, it is essential to understand that Christianity is always one generation away from extinction. To keep God alive in the hearts and souls of the future, they must hear of his love. Our message is not limited to our children but anyone who has not yet heard Christ's good news.
Secondly, they needed to remember. There were to tie reminders to their heads and hands and write them on their doorposts, constant reminders of who God is and what he's done. When we worship, pray, and read scripture, we remember all God has done in the past. We recall how God has and still is delivering us in our personal accounts. As we reflect on His love for us, our love for him also grows.
Thirdly, we must let no other gods come between the one true God and us. When we start letting that happen, our love for him wanes. Our reverence and honor are replaced by something far lesser that may provide temporary pleasure but cannot give us love. In remaining steadfast in our faith, we respond to His love.
Moses concludes by saying that we become righteous in being obedient to God. When we witness, remember His goodness, and are compliant to Him, we begin to understand how to love. In growing into that love, we can also love others as we should.
God, thank you for loving us. We confess we have not loved you as we should; forgive us, we pray. Please help us to remember your deliverance, share that message with others, and help us to be obedient to your will. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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