Shema Revisited
Deuteronomoy 5:29-6:7
Synopsis Deuteronomy 5:29-6:7 1/29/2018
Moses reminded the people of how they had expressed dread fear in the presence of the Lord. For that reason they were dismissed and sent back to their tents. Moses mediated for them from that time on. God, Himself, had given the Decalogue in an overwhelming voice. But, it was Moses who had commanded the great Shema.
Shema
“Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD alone! Therefore, you shall love the LORD, your God, with your whole heart, and with your whole being, and with your whole strength.”
The first and greatest commandment. The morning and evening prayer of every practicing Jew.
How many books have been written about this fundamental prayer?
You Shall Love
So, who is the you? We read this as a personal call. “You” (I) shall love the Lord your (my) God…
And this isn’t wrong. We each bear this command as a personal responsibility.
But Moses made a collective call. “Hear O Israel…” All Israel is collectively commanded to love God.
What would it look like if “we” (Authentic Community) collectively accepted the command and loved God with our whole heart, and with our whole being, and with our whole strength?
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” Mark 12:34
