Love // Deuteronomy 6:5

I love how God works! This verse of the day is the core for a new message series I’m starting this morning at Hope Church. Deuteronomy 6:5 is known as the Shema, which comes from the original Hebrew meaning, “to hear.” The Shema is unique, because it’s a statement of faith as wall as a mission statement. It states what one believes and how one is to behave in response to that belief. It’s really quite beautiful, isn’t it?

Jesus referenced the Shema when asked what was the greatest of all the commandments. Jewish tradition had more that 600 laws, and Jesus’ opponents were hoping to catch Him in some kind of faith trap. They were not able to outsmart the Lord, though, because His answer was the very foundation of their entire culture’s call to belief and behavior. Jesus followed up His reference to the Shema by saying the faithful are to love their neighbor as they love self. Every single rule, law, and commandment is boiled down to loving God and people. Every. Single. One. (Check out Mark 12:28-31 for more.)

I hope you read today’s verse the way Jesus intended from His own upbringing to His ministry. May it state what you believe and shape how you behave. Let’s go love God and others, doing our part to help make this world a place where God is known and gloried. How ‘bout it? Let’s gooo!