Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Education – A Ministry of the Church
Deuteronomy 6: 1- 9
Saramma Chacko

Epiphany MTC, NY

7 Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.
 
Moses was the prophet, teacher and leader of the Israelites for forty long years, ever since they left Egypt, liberated from slavery. Moses was not going to accompany them across the River Jordon. There is always a possibility of forgetting God in times of prosperity and plenty. Instead of setting their heart on their provisions, they were expected to set their heart on their Provider. Life for the Israelites in Canaan will be different than in the wilderness, with new challenges, temptations and comfort. Their life as nomads was coming to an end. They were going to have houses and vineyards in Canaan.
 
God told Moses to teach and exhort the Israelites to obey the commandments before they crossed the River Jordon to enter their Promised Land. Moses educated the Israelites that their God is one Lord, so that they may not think about other gods worshipped by the Egyptians and the Canaanites. God is love and they were instructed about their duty, to love their God with all their heart, soul and strength. Jesus quoted this Old Testament verse, when asked to identify the most important commandment. God wants us to love Him, beyond anything else. When we love Him, we will be loyal, obedient and devoted to Him, willing to serve Him freely with our wealth, time, efforts, and talents for His glory.
 
Moses told the Israelites to diligently train their children and pass on to future generations, by communicating to them about their monotheistic God and to sincerely love Him. They were instructed to repeatedly counsel their children about loving their God every day, in every way and at all times, from the time they rolled out of bed till bedtime, so that it gets instilled, infused, engraved and embedded in their mind and heart. We too are supposed to extend the knowledge and fear of God to our children and others that are under our care and tuition. Following Moses teaching would bring the Israelites benefits as: they would multiply, be successful, be blessed, and have abundance of wellness and long life. Verses 4 to 9 are known as Shema.  It is the Jewish confession of faith or their creed.

PRAYER

God enable us to love You with all our heart, mind and soul. Empower us to teach our children and our grandchildren to love You whole heartedly. Amen

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength”. Deuteronomy 6: 5.
  


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