Listen Up, Israel!

Rev. Dustin Beck, pastor at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Warda, TX, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 6:1-25.

Moses begins an extended meditation on the First Commandment. In light of the LORD’s promise to be Israel’s God, their response is first and foremost to listen. They need to constantly listen that the LORD is their God and that He is the one true God. From this faith stems Israel’s love for God with their entire being. From this faith stems parents teaching their children who the true God is and what His Word teaches. Care is needed lest Israel forget the LORD in the Promised Land and go after other gods. Moses implores the new generation to learn from the sins of their fathers and to receive the LORD’s blessings in faith, all the while teaching their children to follow in this same Christian faith.

“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.