Context
The pop quizzes continue in today's readings. The religious leaders kept trying, unsuccessfully, to trick Jesus into saying something that would get him in trouble. Their next gambit concerned the law. Which law was most important? The Sabbath? Honoring parents? No idolatry? Which would he choose? Of course, Jesus gave the perfect answer, and it wasn't one of the Ten Commandments. It was what has come to be known as the Great Commandment. "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your mind." He then adds the second command, "Love your neighbor as yourself. All of the laws hang on these. Love God, love others.
The religious leaders were out of ammunition, so Jesus asked them a question about the identity of the Messiah. Though he would be the descendent of David, the great king called him Lord. The Pharisees had no answer and gave up trying to trick Jesus into an answer that would stump him or get him into trouble.
From this point on, they simply concentrated on killing him.
The religious leaders were out of ammunition, so Jesus asked them a question about the identity of the Messiah. Though he would be the descendent of David, the great king called him Lord. The Pharisees had no answer and gave up trying to trick Jesus into an answer that would stump him or get him into trouble.
From this point on, they simply concentrated on killing him.
Devotional - All My Heart
It's the worst word in the Bible! All. It complicates things and messes everything up.
If Jesus had just left that word out of the "Great Commandment" I'd be, well, great. "Love God with y our heart and soul and mind." Gotcha. Amen. Done. I do. I really do. But that is not what Jesus asked for. He said I had to love God with ALL my heart and soul and mind. All of it.
I don't. I've got a family and a job and other concerns. Sin grips my heart and pulls me away from my passion to Christ. All my heart. All the time. Everything I am. Nope, I'm just not there yet.
Fortunately, God knows we fall short. We live "in-between" - called to live a life that we will never fully realize this side of glory. One day my heart will belong to Christ and Christ alone. One day! But today is not that day. Today, I just need to keep pressing on toward to the goal, letting the Spirit purify me and draw me close. Draw near to God, put away the idols, seek the higher things.
I hate that word because it reminds me of my failure. But there is a hymn that uses it in a beautiful way. Jesus paid it ALL. It ALL depends on him. He will never quit until he has fully accomplished his work in me. So, while I am often a failure, weak, sinful - I fall short every day - I have not only a spot in heaven guaranteed through Christ but a process of transformation guaranteed by him.
ALL Hail the power of Jesus' name!
Thank you, Father, that though I am still struggling with the all, your all is complete and you are enough. Thank you for grace.
Think and Pray
Think of the standard God has called you to, that you are to love him with ALL your heart and soul and mind. How does your life match up to that.
Remind yourself that ultimately and eternally, even in your failure it is the ALL of Christ that secures and sustains you, and give him praise.
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