Love! (part 1 of 3)

There was an occasion when one came to Jesus asking which commandment was the most important. This question followed on the heels of several attempts to trap Jesus with questions. However, this question seemed to focus on what it all boiled down to. Though some may have emphasized various aspects of the law, what would this teacher, Jesus, focus on as the greatest of all the commands?

We read. . .
“(29) Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. (30) And you shall LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART and with ALL YOUR SOUL and with ALL YOUR MIND and with ALL YOUR STRENGTH.’ ’” ( Mark 12:29-30 ESV)

Jesus’ response was from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. It was on the basis of this command that the nation of Israel was instructed to educate their children with a proper focus toward God and His commands. ( Deuteronomy 6:6-9) It was a foundational command for life!

The LOVE FOR GOD addressed in those words should be seen as A VERY DEEP LOVE. Jesus quoted those words as the pre-eminent law of the Jews. It is a love that requires the INVOLVEMENT OF OUR ENTIRE BEING; a love that impacts our affections, reaches deep into the depths of our soul, encompasses our thinking, and empowers our life. There is no aspect of our being that should not be turned toward God. Does that mark THE DEPTH OF OUR LOVE? Is every aspect of our being properly drawn toward Him and His Sovereign Will?

Jesus answered this man’s question, but He did not stop there. Though asked about the most important commandment, He went on to mention the second. Perhaps we should understand that though a proper love for God is of the utmost importance, we cannot be satisfied with only that! Lord willing we will consider Jesus’ further statement tomorrow. In the mean time, let us continue to focus on THE DEPTH OF OUR LOVE FOR GOD and how it impacts our daily actions and focus.

Have a great day VIEWING GOD AS THE LOVE OF OUR ENTIRE BEING!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Love