Submitted by Lyn on Tue, 30/10/2012 – 12:29
Year B (2011-2012)
Bible Book: Deuteronomy / Deuteronomium
Chapter: 6
Verse: 1 – 9
We all have used reminders in one way or another. Many people have reminders on their cell phones for various events on daily basis. Offices have stickers of different colours full of reminders on walls, desks and other places. Computer in-boxes flash reminders from time to time. Some of the reminders are for things that we do not really want to miss, such as very important meetings. However, other reminders are for things that we do not really want to do, but must do because someone in authority wants them done.
We react differently to reminders that come from other people. Our reaction is usually based on the issue we are being reminded of, the person sending the reminder or the phrasing of the reminder itself. Whatever the case, reminders cannot be avoided in life. The person setting the reminder (even when oneself) does so because they regard the issue as very important.
Moses reminded the Israelites of the importance of obeying God’s commandments. And he gave them a reason why it was important for them to obey God’s commandments (“so that it may go well with you and that you may increase greatly” – Deuteronomy 6:3 NIV). Being obedient was for their own benefit. Moses made sure that the Israelite would not forget this. “Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up” (v. 7). In other words, Moses was saying ‘remind them all the time’. He further advised the Israelite to write the commandments on the door-frames of their houses and their gates. They would have no excuse for forgetting the commandments.
How often do we teach our children the Word of God? What do we have in our homes that remind us and our children of God’s commandments?
The commandments were to be upon the hearts of the people v.6. The Psalmist took this seriously. He actually hid the Words in his heart.
In Mark 12: 29-31 Jesus says the most important commandment is “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength”. The second is this: “Love your neighbor as yourself”. How do we remind ourselves of these commandments? How many of our wall hangings have to do with God’s commandments?
Imagine if all the gates of Christian homes had one or two commandments instead of (or in addition to) “BE AWARE OF VICIOUS DOGS”
To think about: Are the sick, less privileged or oppressed reminders to us of the commandments to love God and our neighbours?
Author: Khanyanga L (Rev)
Language: English