June 8, 2009 - Deuteronomy 6

The Shema, Hebrew for 'Hear'. One commentator says that this portion of scripture, Deuteronomy 6:4-9, became the Jewish confession of faith. It is still valid for Christians today, because it contains what Jesus described as the greatest commandment. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This is the foremost call of the Christian life, to be in relationship with God. The Shema continues that these are the things that we are to teach our children, talk about with them, and to keep before our eyes as a constant reminder. This was the true legacy of the Jewish people and should be ours as well. There is no better bequest to leave to our children.