March 27

March 27

The Shema & the First Commandment -- God is one, love God, & keep God's commandments.

Today's Readings:

Reading 1: Deuteronomy 6:1-5

Reading 2: Mark 12:28-34

Reading 3: John 14:21-24

Moses continues his summary of the teaching God has given Israel through him, and today we see the foundational statement of the Jewish faith - the Shema."Shema Israel, Adonai elohenu, Adonai echad."

Literally: "Hear Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one."

Interestingly, the word echad means unity in diversity, leaving room for "three in one" as revealed by Jesus on several occasions in the gospels. There is a different word for "uniquely singular" in Hebrew - yachid.

You can read more on this website.

At the Last Supper, Jesus refers to His Father and to the Holy Spirit when He tells His disciples that love is the foundational principle of the Godhead, and of relationship with God. And love is expressed in action - lived out in obedience - just as Moses said when he compiled the teaching God had revealed to him to guide the Israelite nation.

As you love God with all your heart, you will find yourself obeying Him more fully and more freely. May that be so today.

Have a great day!

Mark.