Some years ago an author wrote a very popular book which purported to discover a lost gospel (How is that for vague?) revealing the “truth about Jesus.” The truth as the author portrayed it in his thriller, was that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene whom Da Vinci included in the portrait of the last supper. Two infamous would-be New Testament scholars then piggy-backed on this to show that Judas Iscariot was really a good guy?! Their findings along, with the novel’s theology have been thoroughly debunked. The gospels we have survived precisely because they are true.
This story reminds me that we are attracted to long-lost books which reveal mysteries. Deuteronomy is such a book. You may remember that the young King of Judah, Josiah authorized the cleansing of the temple. There, underneath the dust, they found a scroll which we believe is our book of Deuteronomy. When the King heard what God expected of his people, he tore his robes in grief (2 Kings 22:8-11). When Israel lost the book, they lost touch with God and his plan for them. The book of Deuteronomy sparked a revival.
How important was this book? The Jewish people quoted the verses above every day. The name of this passage is “the Shema” from the Hebrew word which begins the phrase, “Hear, O Israel.” What exactly did every Jewish family need to hear? They were to love the Lord their God with all their heart, soul and strength. Further, they were to talk about God and his expectations with their children every day at home and wherever they went.
I know. The Messiah has come. But Jesus pointed to this very passage as the greatest of all the 613 identified commandments in scripture. As a parent, and now grandparent, I am convinced that the lives of future generations will be greatly enhanced by the daily reminder to love God with our whole lives. Imagine if we made the supper table and the commute to school a time to talk about God. This practice holds the potential for another revival in our homes in our day. Prayerfully ask God about how to apply this powerful word to your own family. The mystery of God’s mercy will stand the test of time, unlike popular novels, internet sensations and television series.
