By Douglas K. Wilson, Ph.D.
Dean of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
LOVED
Deuteronomy 6:1–13
The Promise (1–3)
God promised Moses and the people of Israel a “land flowing with milk and honey” (Ex. 3:8). Moses repeated this promise multiple times to one generation freed from Egypt, and Deuteronomy contains more references to this promise directed to the next generation.
In Numbers 13:27, the men who spied on Canaan confirmed the land was indeed fruitful, as God said, with good livestock and good crops. Unfortunately, the majority of the spies discounted promises from God to give them Canaan, so they brought a report that the land could not be taken. They said the inhabitants were giants, and Israel’s army were like grasshoppers by comparison.
A new generation arose, one Moses was preparing to enter the promised land. He repeatedly instructed them to listen. It was imperative they heed the commandments of God (Deut. 5), the promise of God and the instructions which accompanied the promise (vv. 4–25).
The Passion (4–5)
In Mark’s Gospel, we read of a scribe asking Jesus about the greatest command. While we might consider which of the Ten Commandments is the greatest, Jesus knew the scribe was asking about the 613 instructions in the Torah.
Jesus answered the question by quoting Scripture, specifically Deuteronomy 6:4–5. Mark 12:30 parallels Matthew 22:37, but only Mark includes Jesus’ inclusion of Deuteronomy 6:4: “Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” The verses belong together.
Jesus continues His instruction to the scribe: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength” (Mark 12:30). With authority as Incarnate God, Jesus added to the text of Scripture (“with all your mind”) when quoting Deuteronomy 6:5. His instruction continued with a quotation of Leviticus 19:18. Ironically, they are statements, not commands, in both verses — “you WILL love.”
John did not miss this connection between loving God and loving neighbor, stating that believers cannot love God without loving others as well (1 John 4:20–21). In fact, John goes to great lengths in the chapter to explain how love for God and love for others are interrelated.
The Proclamations (6–9)
Proclamation 1: a life of faith and obedience. “These words … are to be in your heart” (6:6). Believers must know the commandments. They must live the commandments, speak the commandments and share the commandments.
Proclamation 2: family conversations day and night, at home and away. You must “talk about them” as a normal part of daily life. Fathers have the task of teaching the commandments and leading by example. Paul addresses this family stewardship responsibility in Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21.
Proclamation 3: written reminders of God’s words. In a literal sense, one could take on the practice of Hasidic Jews, who wear phylacteries wrapped with leather straps upon their arms and head. Mezuzah (boxes on a door frame) could be installed as well. Both practices include utilizing small boxes, which contain the words of the Shema (Deut. 6:4–9). Alabama Baptists are more likely to carry a copy of the Bible or hang framed Bible verses on their walls.
The Possession (10–13)
The remainder of this chapter is a call to action. Loving God is to be lived out. Jesus quoted from the latter part of Deuteronomy 6 when tempted in the wilderness (Matt 4:7, 10; also see Deut. 6:16, 13, respectively).
Remembering God when satisfied by the bountiful provision of God is loving God. Answering the questions of children who ask why believers do what we do and believe what we believe — that is loving God.
Worshipping God, practicing wise stewardship of His belongings and carefully discipling our children — that is loving God. Faith and obedience demonstrate love.
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