10/18/21 Devotional from Ed
Text: Mark 12:28-30
One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘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 mind, and with all your strength.’
Devotional: The Hebrew word for soul is “nephesh,” but it’s one of those words that doesn’t have an exact literal translation in English. However, while we don’t have an exact translation, we do know “nephesh” is not just your soul. It’s your essence. Your life.
So, should we read, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your life, and with all your mind, and with all your strength?”
Or, should we just simply say, “Love the Lord with all your life?” Does that make it easier to remember?
In our Scripture reading above, the repeated “all” is important. God is not looking for us to go halfway. Don’t love with most of your life and most of your heart and most of your goods and most of your might. Make your essence your love for your Creator.
Prayer: Dear God, Fill us with your Spirit this day and beyond. Cleanse our hearts, O Lord, and open them to love you with our whole selves. Amen.
