Day 2
Read:
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Dig Deeper:
Notice at the beginning of today’s scripture, it actually starts by saying “Hear, O Israel”. When we go back to the original writing of this scripture in the original Hebrew language, that original word for “hear” actually carries more meaning than is conveyed in English. In Hebrew, this word is pronounced “Shema”, and it means: “to hear and obey”. Jesus referenced this [see Matthew 22:37] and said that it was the most important command–not just to hear, but then to put feet to what you hear and obey! To truly hear is to truly obey.
The next portion says that “the Lord our God, the Lord is one”. I want to put a highlight right here: the Lord our God. This is a reminder that the Lord is YOUR God. He is ONE–as in, He is the only one, and there is no other god before Him. Your phone, your girlfriend, or your money, nothing should be above God in your life.
It also says, “Love the Lord your God”. The word that’s translated to love is the Hebrew word “Ahavah”. By the way, “I ahavah you.” This word is also an action verb. It’s not about warm fuzzies or googly eyes. It quite literally means to act in loyalty and faithfulness. See, to love God is to be actively faithful to Him by obeying what He says.
And lastly it says, “with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Funny enough, in the Hebrew understanding, the word “heart” is what we think of as our mind and the word “soul” is what we think of as our heart. And, strength is still strength. So, love Him with your intellect, love him with your emotion, and love him to the absolute best of your ability.
Declaration: Say this next statement out loud as a declaration of what you have learned today.
I will hear and obey what God has for me because He is my God and there is no one and nothing before Him. I will be loyal and faithful to Him with all that I am and to the best of my ability because I love Him.
Pray:
God, thank You that You love me enough to give me your laws. I want to honor You to the best of my ability with all of my life. Help me to do that, and forgive me when I don’t. I honor You. Amen.