Shema

Shema is the first word of Deuteronomy 6:4--"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This verse precedes the 'greatest commandment' of Matthew 22:38, which is originally given in Deuteronomy 6:5--"Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength."

"Hear" is a strange way to phrase a command. Often we think of listening as a more active form of hearing. But in this case, it seems that hearing may be a more profound way of listening. Hearing is more than acknowledging. It is accepting, affirming, and owning what is said. It means actualizing. Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear." (Mark 4:9)

Faithful Jews say the Shema (Deut. 6:4-9) every morning and every evening. I have begun praying a prayer every morning in which I ask myself, "Do you seek Him with all your heart? Do you seek Him with all your soul? Do you seek Him with all your mind? Do you seek Him with all your strength?" I don't read Hebrew that well, but it's the skill I will be most adept in upon graduating from seminary. One of the few verses I have memorized is Deuteronomy 6:4-5. While this is in no way a word study, I do want to comment on the little I know about 3 words in 6:5.

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart..."
The word 'heart' is the Hebrew levav. It basically means your inner being. Holladay's lexicon lists it as: 1)physical organ; 2)seat of vitality; 3)inner self, seat of feelings & impulses; 4)mind, character, disposition, inclination, loyalty, concern; 5)determination, courage, (high) morale; 6)intention, purpose; 7)mind, attention, consideration, understanding; 8)mind & mood in its totality, the self 9)conscience, etc. The point is, our heart is the core of our being. Do we love God there?

"and with all your soul..."
The word 'soul' is the Hebrew nephesh. It is often equated with one's life, and is thought to be situated at the throat (where breath enters the body). In fact, the word means: 1)throat; 2)neck; 3)breath; (4 & 5 entail phrases concerning living beings); 6)personality, individuality; 7)life; 8)'soul' as seat & support of feelings & sensations: a)desire, b)mood, state of mind, c)feeling, taste, d) will; etc. (Holladay's Lexicon). The point is, we have been given life. Every breath is a gift. Are we loving God with what we've been given?

"and with all your strength."
The word 'strength' is the Hebrew me'od. It literally means "muchness." As a substantive noun it means: power, might. As an adverb: very, in the highest degree. (Holladay) We have spoken of our inner being, our moods, feelings & desires, now we speak of physical ability. Do you love God with your physical actions? Do you, in "whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"?

When I ask these questions, I think of it like this:
Do you seek Him with all your heart?
Do you seek him with the very core of your being?
Love Him with your very self.
Do you seek Him with all your soul?
Do you seek Him with your emotions?
Surrender your feelings to God's control.
Do you seek Him with all your mind?
Do you turn your thoughts to Him?
Think about Him. Excel intellectually for Him.
Do you seek Him with all your strength?
Do you physically honor God with your body?
You have strength! Use it for Him.

Inner self/will, feelings, intellect, physical abilities. I want to do one thing each day to make a difference for the Kingdom--just one thing each day. My avenues are via my will, my feelings, my intellect, and my physical abilities. If I am in tune with God and in step with the Spirit...it will happen.

Amen, Christ have mercy.