“Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.1
The LORD demands our wholehearted devotion and allegiance. He has snatched us from the pit2 and brought us into his presence.3 In exchange of our filth, he gave his Son whom he loves.4 And assigned us the task of being his ambassador,5 beginning with our home. Yes, out of gratitude, we shall employ every aide to help us remember.
Hear, O my people, while I admonish you! O Israel, if you would but listen to me! There shall be no strange god among you; you shall not bow down to a foreign god [Including idols that we treasure—like self perhaps? We may have been deluded to believe that our heritage, stature, riches, power, fame, influence, even other intercessors other then Jesus will suffice]; I am the LORD your God, (who rescued you). Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.6 The LORD, likewise, laments that we, his people, are destroyed for lack of knowledge. He warns, since you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children.7 We have no excuse for ignorance, as we have the Scripture—his Word to help illumine us.8
O LORD God of hosts, how long will you be angry with your people’s prayers?9 Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved!10 We plead you, O LORD; consider your unfailing love and mercy. Father, forgive us for we know not what we do.11
We acknowledge that everything we have you entrusted to us—our wealth, our skills and abilities.12 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, . . .13 Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.14
But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; from generation to generation we will recount your praise.15 We will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD, and his might, and the wonders that he has done.16 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
2. Psalm 40:2-3
3. Colossians 1:13-14
4. John 3:16-21
5. 2 Corinthians 5:20
6. Psalm 81:8-10
7. Hosea 4:6
8. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
9. Psalm 80:4
10. Psalm 80:3, 7, 19
11. Luke 23:34
12. Exodus 35:30-36:2
13. James 1:17-18
14. 1 Corinthians 7:17
15. Psalm 79:13
16. Psalm 78:4
