Hear, O Israel, The Lord is Our God

This meditation is based on a passage for March 7, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-15

Reflection and Question: When Jesus taught that there were two commandments – love God and love your neighbor – he was referring to this passage which is a ringing call to Israel that you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your might. The preacher is sensitive to the fact that the Hebrews were taking over a land already inhabited and developed by others. He warns them against following the false gods of the prior residents and makes this a condition for God’s continued favor. Where do you fall short in loving God with your all your heart, soul and might?

Prayer: Almighty God of Israel, our desire is to fear You all the days of our lives and to teach our children to do the same. Our desire is to observe diligently Your commandments and to remember Your goodness to us. When we fail, forgive us. Amen.