The "Shema"

Jesus quoted what in Hebrew is called the Shema in Matthew 22 and Mark 12, words which were often repeated by the people of Israel several times each day. Interesting that God's commands through Moses included stark warnings that after God had provided them with essential things they had not made themselves, His point was "Don't forget Me".

How easily we are distracted from Him and all He has done for us, given us, desires to bless and fill us with! Note my emphasis on God's call... the first word is "hear".

Deuteronomy 6

4. “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one!

5. “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.

6. “These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.

What is often also forgotten is the Lord's call for us to SHARE what He gives us. Are we listening?!

The concept of hearing HIM and sharing HIM along with all other things He provides with those in need, thus extending genuine hospitality to the poor, widows and orphans and people unlike us from other cultures and lands is truly threaded through both Testaments -and specifically in the Word and example as well as commands of Jesus to all who claim to be His disciples.

Are we listening to God? Sadly, history in both the Bible and through the centuries shows Israel had and has a "checkered" response on this point. Sadly, the Christians in the churches do also. Turning a deaf ear to God and the pleas of "the least of these" is a foul recipe for disaster both in our relationship with God and here on earth before Jesus returns.

God have mercy and help us to HEAR and in love obey you, worship you, love our neighbors regardless of who they are!

And as always, thanks for stopping by. -Glenn