"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates." - Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Those verses are known as The Shema (pronounced She· ma) are the central affirmation of faith for the Jewish people - the people of Israel. Often, they are the first verses taught to their children. Many families recite the Shema twice a day - once in the morning and once in the evening, sometimes more. I was texting with a Christian friend and missionary, recently, who told me that he and his wife have embraced this practice as a reminder of the greatest commandment - the starting place for how we relate to the world we live in. His comments reminded me of scripture in Romans.
"For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, nor are they all children (of God) because they are the seed of Abraham; but, 'In Isaac your seed shall be called.' That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed." Romans 9:6-8
It is so easy for us "earthlings" to focus on our flesh and natural heritage and find comfort and assurance there. Ancestry.com's great success is based on that very hunger to know. People want to know - to find personal value and pride in their natural lineage. For the Jews and Muslims they look to Father Abraham - Isaac and Ismael. Their ethnic pride is firmly grounded on their relationship with Abraham.
But there is not just a natural aspect to a relationship with Abraham. God's promise to Abraham was not natural but spiritual. A promise made through Isaac and fulfilled in Jesus. So my friend has committed to remind himself of his spiritual relationship through that very promise with the Father - The One God - everyday, by reciting the Shema - or put another way - Scripture. That doesn't sound quite so mystical does it? It reminds me of Psalm 119:11
"Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You."
And Joshua 1:8-9
"This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
It is somewhat like most Christians knowing John 3:16 - it is not some repetitious chant or ritual that loses its original meaning - but it is a Biblical mandate expressing devotion to our Creator and Sustainer. You may not follow the lead of my friend, although that isn't a bad idea, but make it a point to start and end the day with a spiritual focus - don't save it all for Sunday.
Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.
By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone
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