Dear church, 

Shema is Hebrew for “hear.” What are we to hear as we gather together as the people of God? What are we to say when one of our young ones comes close and asks why we take the bread and the cup, and why we sing, and why we pray, and why we give thanks?

“Then take care lest you forget the Lord, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.” To hear well means we also must proclaim well. We hear and remember the story of the great acts of God – in Egypt, yes, but most prominently at Golgotha and at the tomb. We were taken out of the house of slavery to sin and death, once and for all. 

We hear about these things, and we believe them. Then we tell them to others. 

“What is the meaning of the testimonies and the statutes and the rules that the Lord our God has commanded you?” What would you say? Do you understand that this covenant is based, first and foremost, on love?

We cannot love Jesus if we do not obey his commandments (John 14:21). In this way, we walk the same ancient path as the Israelites. We love God, and we obey him. Nothing has changed, even though so much has. 

Is Jesus the primary object of your love? 

Chris