Suggested Bible Reading: Deuteronomy 5-7
Devotional Thought:
Title: “The Command to Love God Supremely.”
There was always the danger that victories would lead Israel to believe that they could enjoy the good things of God without submission to His word. We make a grave mistake when we take credit for any spiritual victories in our lives. Do we really think we can do anything in and of ourselves? If Israel thought they were victorious on their own, it might give them the thought to try to “re-negotiate” the terms of the covenant? However, that would be utter folly, ignoring the fact that victories are the Lord’s and that dependence on Him is vital at all times. There are recurring themes that run through Deuteronomy, one being the fear of the Lord. It has already been mentioned on two occasions (4:10; 5:29) and is found on three occasions in chapter six. (vs. 2, 13, 24) It is, therefore, a basic element in the relationship between the Lord and Israel and between the Lord and we as Christians. Unfortunately, there is very little fear of the Lord today, especially in America. Some of the problem in our families and marriages is that there is not a healthy fear or respect for who God is and what He expects. Our love for God is to be with “all” our heart, “all” our soul, and “all” our might. The heart is the seat of the emotions and will, the soul is the personality, and “might” refers to strength. The principle behind these words is very important. Obedience to the Law must be based on love for the Lord. Any other basis reduced the keeping of the terms of the covenant to mere conformity to rules of conduct. The lesson is plain. Keeping the terms of the covenant was to be based on devotion not duty, principle not performance, and obedience not obligation. The same principle holds true for today. The Lord Jesus stated that those who love Him would model this by keeping His commandments. (Jn 14:21) Verse six teaches us that the words of the Lord were to be in their hearts. They were to be part of their being, lodged in their hearts so that they would not be forgotten or ignored. Love comes from the heart and to have the word of God in their hearts indicated that they loved the words of the Lord as much as they loved Him. The word of God would then be the guide by which their life was directed. But it was vital that these commandments, statutes, and judgments be passed on to following generations. They had to be taught diligently to their children. It was the responsibility of those who enjoyed the blessings of the covenant to impress the terms of that covenant upon the minds of their children with great accuracy and precision. How sad that we have a generation growing in America that does not know God or His word. If they do not know Him, they will never love Him or serve Him. Oh how we have an important job to do as parents to teach our children to love God with all their hearts. We cannot give mere lip service; we must model it with the decisions of our time, money, talents, and energy. May we truly love God with all our heart, soul, and might!
Personal Prayer Requests:
- Lord, please help me to love you more each day. Please help me to make decisions that will demonstrate to you just how much I love you and how thankful I am for my salvation.
- Lord, thank you for salvation and may I be diligent to share the joy of my salvation with my children.
- Lord, please help me to serve you out of love and not mere duty. Help me to obey your word because of the love I have for you.