CHAPTER 6:
My husband likes to do his homework before making a big purchase. Take our refrigerator, for example. He received lots of advice from friends and YouTube and family members. In fact, he spent hours and hours reading and listening to what others had to say before he made a decision. When we finally arrived at the store, I had a choice between two refrigerators because those were the only two that met his mechanical expectations. I’m just sayin’ . . . It was a good thing I liked one of them. God gave us a mind to think things through and reason them out for things like refrigerator purchases, but more importantly so that we can reason out our thoughts about Him.
The Israelites are perched on the edge of the Promised Land in Deuteronomy. They are about to enter into a place that will offer all kinds of advice on how to do things even if they aren’t seeking to know. God knows they will need some clear directions on how to follow Him. They will also need to know the benefits. God’s simple directions and benefits are outlined by Moses in Deuteronomy 6.
Please read Deuteronomy chapter 6, and as you read make a list of things the Israelites were told to do, were told NOT to do, and the rewards promised.
Have you ever baked a cake? What is the first ingredient, the one you start with? Flour, of course. Then you add milk and eggs and flavorings. If you did not have flour, you would not end up with a cake. Milk and eggs and flavorings alone would make something totally different. A custard maybe, but not a cake.
There were many things God told the Israelites to do, but they all hinged on one main ingredient. Without this, their worship would not be the same.
What was the first thing the Israelite’s were supposed to do? Look in verse 5.
It all starts with love! Love is the key ingredient for all the rest to happen. There are four words for love in the Greek language, and each has slightly different connotations. Eros is used for romantic love. Philia is used for brotherly love between peers. Storge is used for a parent’s love for their child. Agape is used to describe the love of God.
We tend to always think of love as a feeling. This feeling of love comes with baggage. It is sometimes based on need: intimacy, companionship, and/or support. When someone needs these things, you give your love. Earthly love is also based on returns. Will you get intimacy, companionship, or support in return? If so, you may offer your love for this payment. Lastly, our earthly love is based on worth. Is the object of your affection worth your love? If so, you will give it.
Agape love, the love that first comes from God, doesn’t just feel; it is an action. It is defined as “an intelligent, purposeful attitude of esteem and devotion; a selfless, purposeful, outgoing attitude that desires to do good to the one loved” (Wilkin 34). Agape love does not need anything; it does not want anything in return; it does not count the worth of the one being loved. Agape love gives affection and devotion regardless of whether love is deserved or will be returned. This is exactly how God loves us.
<i>Read Romans 5:8.
How is this a love of will and not a love based on need, reciprocity, or worth?
Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8.
These verses are often read at weddings. Why do you think people want these verses read at their wedding?
How do these verses highlight God’s love for us?
Read Luke 6:35.
How is this an example of agape love?
Read Matthew 22:35-40.
How are we to love the LORD our God? How are we to love those around us?
This is known as the Great Commandment. Our obedience to everything God has called us to do is built on agape love for Him and for others. Like a cake without flour, without love, we do not get worship of the one true God. Without love, our obedience is for nothing.
God had good things in store for the Israelites. He placed a clear plan in front of them. Love Him. Remember what He had done. Fear Him. Observe His laws. Teach the children. Be blessed. This pattern was designed to preserve them. Seems simple enough, right? But in a world full of distractions, it is very difficult. Today is no different.
Love-Remember-Fear-Observe-Teach. Do we do this today for our Lord? Do I do this? What happens if we don’t love Him? What happens if we forget? What happens when we don’t regard Him as holy, don’t follow Him? What happens if we neglect to teach our children about Him? What happens when we forget that we were slaves to sin, that the Father sent His son to do a mighty work on the cross, and bring us from a world of captivity and death into eternal life? What happens?
“Oh, that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever” (Deut. 5:29).
It all begins with the heart. Have you searched the Lord enough to find Him the object of your agape love? If not, it isn’t too late. The pages of His Word are full of His glory. And He is always listening when you call on His name. Take the time to build a heart for your Lord. All the rest will follow.
Lesson to Remember: God desires good for you
A Way to Walk: Love the Lord. Remember what He has done for you. Fear Him, for He is the living God. Observe His commandments and follow Him. Teach your children to do the same.
Wilkin, Jen. In His Image. Crossway: 2018 ,p. 34.
