Scripture for the Week: Matthew 22:35-40

Introduction

For the next several weeks, I will post a section of Scripture primarily for the use of Bethel’s Long Range Planning Team.  I pray this is helpful both to this team and anyone else who happens upon it.  I invite you to read the Bible verses for the week every day (there is a link to the Scripture in the title for this article).  You may choose to read this by yourself or with a friend our spouse.  We’re not reading strictly for information; we’re reading as a form of prayer.  This is a devotional technique called Lectio Divina – or praying the Scriptures.  You may also choose to journal your thoughts.  Journaling helps as you try to articulate what you’re thinking.  When you read back through what you wrote over the week, you may notice some themes and possibly some places where the Holy Spirit is urging you.  If you find that your curiosity is piqued and that you want to read on a particular topic or study the Scriptures further … by all means, follow that holy curiosity!

Devotion

We spent last week reading and meditating on the section of Scripture called “the Great Commission” (Week 1 Devotion).  Calling, or vocation, are an important part of our faith because our faith leads us to respond.  Frederick Buechner said that where the world’s deepest needs and our greatest passion meet … that is our call.  We may not feel worthy or particularly gifted to do God’s work.  It may seem as though the very thought of God calling us is too grand.  Why on earth would the God of all Creation call me to do anything?  We are in good company.  Many of those who heard and responded to God’s call were caught off-guard and could do what they felt God was asking, too.

We will spend this week dwelling on the “Great Commandment”.

There are a total of 613 commands and ordinances of God listed in the Old Testament.  That’s a lot!  How could anyone possibly keep all of those in mind – much less live by them?  Of course, there are the Ten Commandments.  That’s more manageable, but still.  Thankfully, a lawyer asks Jesus what the greatest commandment is.  Jesus responds with two … and these are not new.

Jesus said to him, “’You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ (From Deuteronomy 6:5) This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ (from Leviticus 19:18) On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:37-40)

What would it do to you if you focused your life around these two commandments?

What would it do to the lives of those around you if you focused your life on them?

This week, live with these two commandments.  You will likely see many places in your life where you love God above all things and where you love your neighbor as yourself.  You will also see where the decisions you make will be challenged.  The way you interact with co-workers, spouses, friends, and children will be challenged.  It will also challenge what you think of as “love”.  How do you love your neighbor if they are an employee who either is being disciplined or their employment is being terminated?  How do you love your neighbor as you punish your children?

We find that love is very deep and shows itself in unexpected ways.

Don’t worry about giving “churchy” answers.  Really push yourself … challenge yourself … allow yourself to be uncomfortable all-the-while knowing with full confidence that you are God’s person and He loves you … yes … you.