Today's lesson comes from Deuteronomy 6: 4- 15. Moses knew that he would be passing from the scene of action, and this second generation would be making a transition into a totally different lifestyle. A time of change is always fraught with spiritual dangers. This generation was moving from a place of wandering to enter the Promised Land. There would be many battles before they settled down into a permanent location. This lesson would provide the children of Israel with instruction, that if obeyed, would result in well being, increased population, security in the Promised Land, and material prosperity. The principles taught apply also to us, with the same assurances when we walk in obedience to God's Word.
The first section is: "Hear, O Israel." vv. 4, 5 Verse 4 is known as the Jewish "Shema." Shema comes from the Hebrew word for "hear." This is a strong statement that there is only one God. This verse precludes polytheism (the belief in more than one god). While our God is One is essence, He is a Trinity of personalities. The Hebrew word for LORD is YHVH and is translated as Jehovah. The word for God in verse 4 is Elohim. While YHVH is singular, Elohim is plural. Thus, in this one verse, we see the basis for the belief in a Trinity of persons in the Godhead.
The Shema with its command to love God is also recorded in Matthew 22: 37, 38 and Mark 12: 29, 30. We are to love God with "all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." But how can a person love God with all their heart, if that heart remains wicked? We know from Jeremiah 17: 9: "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?" Some Christians believe that after they come to Jesus and are saved, their heart retains that evil disposition so the heart is divided. In essence, there is a constant war in the heart of a Christian. However, we know that after an individual has been born again, God has a second work of grace whereby the heart is cleansed from all sin. It is then that the commandment of verse 5 can be obeyed. Then, you can love God with "all thine heart."
We are to love God with all of our "soul." Your soul includes your power of thought, understanding, volition and personality. Your love of God will guide you in your choices and regulate your thought life. Loving God with all your "might" involves your energy of vital power. True love for God requires "a total self-surrender of man's being to his Maker." (Albert Barnes)
The second section is: "Teach Them Diligently." vv. 6- 9 The commandments of God are to reach the heart, not merely the mind. Mental acquiescence is not enough. The demons believe in God, but they are not saved. God has promised to write His law on our hearts. As we meditate and live in God's Word, the Bible, our love relationship with Him will be sustained. However, it is not enough to have God's Word in our hearts. We are to instruct those who are in our care in the things of God. The enemy of your soul is doing everything in his power to steal, kill and destroy your children and grandchildren. We are to bring our children up "in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." (Eph. 6: 4) The perpetuation of our Christian society is largely dependent on parents teaching God's Word to their children.
It is important to have a time of family worship or devotions every day that you can to instruct your family. I have my private devotions in the morning. This is a time of Bible reading, devotional reading and prayer. Also, in the morning, I have a private devotion with just my wife before we begin our work day. In the evening, we have family devotions and prayer before everyone retires to their rooms for the night. Sometimes we take communion, generally at least once a week. We are attempting to teach our children how the Christian life should be lived. That is the message of verse 7.
In verses 8 and 9, we are charged to use visual symbols to instill God's Word into the mind. The Jews used phylacteries (a small leather box containing some Scriptures) as a symbol. As a gentile, I don't use that method, but we do have Scriptures adorning the walls of our home and office. The idea is to use proper visual symbols to place the Word of God before your children every day.
The third section is: "Beware, Forget Not." vv. 10-12 We live in such an age of materialism that there is a tendency to forget God. To remain victorious, Christians should practice a life of self-denial and personal discipline. We must maintain a God-consciousnes and dependence upon Him. Daily devotions are a key to maintaining a close relationship with God.
People tend to turn to God in times of adversity and away from Him in times of affluence. For forty years the people of Israel had lived in tents and depended on God for manna. Now, they would no longer be living in a barren wilderness and dependent on God for food. If they were not careful, the comforts they now would possess could become the focus of their lives. Verses 10-12 serve as a warning against this and to not forget the Lord who brought them out of Egyptian bondage. Two thoughts to consider:
1. "The rich and the affluent are generally negligent of God and the interests of their souls." (Adam Clarke)
2. Abundant provision is a source of temptation and a test of our dedication to God.
The fourth section is: "Serve God Alone." vv. 13-15 In this portion of the lesson, there is a warning of not following after other gods. The society around us will pressure us to bow at the shrines of the gods they worship. Our affections must be set on the one true God. Verse 13 commands us to "fear the LORD thy God." In the Bible, when people are in the presence of God, they are in such awe that they fall on their faces. Our God deserves our greatest respect and reverence. In Matthew 4: 10, Jesus quoted this verse when resisting Satan's temptation. In place of "fear," Jesus used the word "worship." Israel was not just to fear the LORD, they were also to "serve Him." Verse 14 commands us to not "go after other gods...." We are often surrounded by people who worship "other gods." In our society, "other gods" include material gain, social prestige and worldly pleasure. The Israelites and us today, are not to set our affections on or to pursue the things offered by "other gods." We are betrothed to God as a wife to her husband. We are to remain faithful because He is a "jealous God." We are to resist all efforts of the world to turn our affections away from the One who has redeemed us.
The Golden Text is "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind." (Matthew 22: 37) We must love God supremely. Nothing can be placed before Him or in place of Him. We must love Him more than anything else. Our hearts must be united to love God as opposed to a divided heart. If we do this, obedience in all areas of our life will follow.
My summary points:
1. We are to love God with a pure heart.
2. We are to teach our children and grandchildren the ways of God.
3. Affluence can be a source of temptation.
4. We are to fear, worship and serve the LORD.
Next week: "A Holy People." (Deuteronomy 7: 6-17)
Please read the Sunday School Beacon for inspiration and encouragement.
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