May 13, 2023: Hear, O Israel

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might." (Deuteronomy 6:4–5, ESV)

When God began to disciple the nation of Israel, after delivering them from the hands of the Egyptians, the first thing He taught them was the 'Shema.' Shema is the Hebrew word for 'hear.' "Hear O Israel!" It is also the focal point of Jewish people's morning and evening prayers.

The first thing God tells them is, "Listen! Pay attention! Understand what I am about to tell you. Do not ever forget it! Your life depends on you 'getting' this." God was not messing around anymore! Here is what I want you to hear:

1. The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
   
2. You shall love the Lord your God.
3. And you shall do it with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might.

    
The other nations had many gods. God wants His people to know that only one God exists, and "I AM Him! Love me!" I delivered you from Egypt. I brought you out with all their gold and silver. I kept you from all the plagues. Love me. Love me with everything you have. Love me with all your heart! Love me with all your thoughts and emotions. Love me with all your strength. 
    
To be a great disciple requires knowing there is only One God and loving Him with everything we have.