The Shema: WWJD With A Deeper Theology
Introduction
The Shema, a central prayer in Judaism, is found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. This ancient prayer, beginning with "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one," calls for deep devotion and obedience to God. The Hebrew word "Shema" means to hear, listen, and obey, emphasizing the importance of responding to God's words with action. It is a prayer that encapsulates the essence of listening, obedience, and wholehearted devotion to God.
The Shema in the Old Testament
The Shema was crucial in the daily lives of ancient Israelites. It served as a declaration to the One True Living God who delivered them from Egypt and their commitment to love and obey Him. The Shema begins with a foundational declaration: "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4). This verse affirms the monotheistic essence of the faith, proclaiming the uniqueness and unity of God. It is followed by a command to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and might: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might" (Deuteronomy 6:5)
Moses instructed the Israelites to internalize these words and teach them diligently to their children, highlighting the importance of keeping God's commandments central to daily life. This prayer was a foundational guide for the Israelites as they prepared to enter the Promised Land, stressing loyalty and obedience to the one true God amidst surrounding polytheistic cultures.
Listening and Obeying
In Hebrew, the word "shema" implies more than just hearing; it encompasses listening, understanding, and responding with action. This is evident in how the Shema commands the Israelites to internalize God’s words: "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). This passage emphasizes the importance of embedding God's commandments into every aspect of daily life, ensuring they are continually remembered and acted upon.
Biblical Examples of the Shema Principle in King Josiah- Israel’s Righteous Reformer
The principles encapsulated in the Shema can be seen throughout Scripture. King Josiah ascended to the throne at a time when the nation was steeped in idolatry and wickedness, largely due to the actions of the previous wicked kings who had led the nation into deep spiritual decline. His father, King Amon, and grandfather, King Manasseh, allowed and even promoted, the worship of idols and false gods. Josiah was fully devoted to God and initiated reforms that aimed to restore true worship in Judah.
One of Josiah’s most notable acts was the cleansing of the Temple in Jerusalem. During this process, the Book of the Law was discovered, a pivotal moment that deeply impacted the young king. Upon hearing the words of the Law, Josiah tore his clothes in distress, realizing the extent of Judah's disobedience to God.
In 2 Chronicles 34:31, King Josiah renews the covenant, demonstrating his commitment to the Shema’s call for wholehearted devotion: "And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all his heart and all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant that were written in this book."
Determined to lead his people back to righteousness, Josiah embarked on an extensive campaign to eradicate idolatry throughout his kingdom. He ordered the destruction of all idols, altars, and high places dedicated to false gods, not only in Judah but also in parts of Israel. He also removed the pagan priests and restored the proper worship of Yahweh in the Temple.
Josiah's reforms were comprehensive and far-reaching. He reinstated the Passover celebration, which had been neglected for many years, and renewed the covenant between God and the people. His efforts were met with approval by God, and as a result, God relented from bringing immediate judgment upon the nation during Josiah’s lifetime.
King Josiah’s reign is a powerful testament to the impact of righteous leadership and sincere devotion to God. Through his unwavering commitment to purging idolatry and restoring true worship, Josiah brought spiritual revival to Judah, delaying the impending judgment and demonstrating the profound difference one faithful leader can make.
Jesus and the Shema: Expanding Understanding
The Shema's significance extends into the New Testament. Jesus Himself quoted the Shema in Mark 12:29-31. When asked about the greatest commandment Jesus says, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength."
Notice Jesus adds the word "Mind" when quoting the Shema. Jesus’ inclusion of the mind wasn't an addition to its original concept but rather an expansion that suited the understanding of his Greek influenced audience. In Ancient Hebrew thought, the heart was considered the center of not only emotional life, but also intellectual. In Greek culture, the mind was seen as the center of rational thought and intellectual understanding. By adding the word "mind," Jesus bridges the cultural gap between Jewish and Greek understandings. Jesus was not altering the Shema but ensuring its comprehensive meaning was fully grasped in the context of Greek culture.
Practicing the Shema Today
For modern Christians, practicing the Shema involves more than reciting the words. It means living a life that reflects total love and obedience to God. This can be achieved by making God's commandments central to our lives, engaging in regular prayer and study of the Scriptures, and fostering communities where God's love is actively demonstrated. The Shema encourages a holistic devotion to God, impacting every aspect of our lives and interactions.
The Shema as a Guiding Principle
In the 1990s, the phrase "What Would Jesus Do?" (WWJD) became a popular way for Christians to reflect on their actions. While useful, it often lacked the depth and scriptural grounding of the Shema. By adopting the Shema as a guiding principle, Christians can draw on a deeply biblical foundation that emphasizes wholistic love and obedience to God. The Shema is not just a slogan; it is a comprehensive call to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives.
Conclusion
The Shema is a timeless and powerful prayer that calls us to listen, love, and obey God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. By embracing the Shema, Christians can deepen their faith and commitment to God, fostering a life of genuine devotion and obedience. This ancient prayer offers timeless wisdom and guidance for living a life devoted to God, reminding us of our call to live out our faith in a way that honors God and impacts the world around us.
At Acts 29 Collective, we aim to make the Shema more than just a recitation but a daily reminder of this deep, enduring faith. Our products featuring the word "Shema" or "Heart Soul Mind Strength" are designed to inspire and remind you of this central commandment. Let these items serve as a modern "WWJD", but with a richer theological foundation, encouraging you to live out the principles of the Shema in your daily life.
Embrace the Shema, and let it transform your faith and actions, reflecting the wholehearted devotion that God desires from us.