April 12, 2022 — “There is Only One God”

“I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery;you shall have no other gods beforeme. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and fourth generation of those who reject me, but showing steadfast love to the thousandth generationof those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not acquit anyone who misuses his name.” Deuteronomy 5:6-11

“There is Only One God”

There is so much packed into these verses from Deuteronomy, from the listing of the Ten Commandments (see Exodus 20), to the Shema – the most important words of scripture to the Jewish community, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord Alone.” (Deuteronomy 6:4). There is only one G-d, and we shall love the Lord our G-d with all our heart, and soul and strength – a central theme for both Judaism and Christianity. Yet, these words follow closely behind the words that we are to fear G-d and keep G-d’s ordinances and statutes because G-d is like a devouring fire and is a jealous G-d. It reminds me so much of Jesus’ words as he laments over Jerusalem in Luke 13:34, “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the city that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to it. How often have I desired to gather your children together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings…” Now, I am not a chicken farmer, but I understand that a hen will not be tender and soft-handed in gathering her brood, but will use some force to keep them together. Sometimes we need to be aroused from the sleepiness of our lives so we see G-d’s presence. And sometimes that will not be just a kind pat on the back.

From the words of the Old Testament and the Prophets, to the words of Jesus, we continue to hear how much G-d loves everyone. And because G-d loves everyone, G-d wants to see that everyone is saved from eternal death. These are words that we need to heed as we understand the fierceness of G-d’s love for all humanity which often looks like tough love.

Let us pray

Lord Jesus, your love for us is fierce. Our love for you should be just as fierce. Give me the courage today to show my love for you in every way I can. Amen.

Pastor Dave