“One of them, an expert in the law, tested
him with this question: ‘Teacher, which
is the greatest commandment in the Law?’
Jesus replied: ‘‘Love the Lord
your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest
commandment. And the second is like
it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these
two commandments.’” (Matthew 22:35-40)
Two biblical images come to mind when I
consider Jesus’ answer to the question the legal expert asked:
The father was longingly waiting for the
return of the prodigal. He deeply love
his lost son and hoped that his son would return. What that father wants from his son is his
son’s love! It is what every parent
wants most from their children. A parent
hopes for obedience, yes, but not out of a grudging heart. A parent longs for the child to return his
love.
The groom came for his bride. Jesus’ day was a day of arranged marriages
and strange courtships. Yet, then, as
now, the groom longed to woo his bride and see her respond with love.
Jesus chose those who images to describe
God’s relationship to His people. He is
Father to us, and we are His children.
He is the Groom and we are His bride.
He loves us with a depth we cannot even imagine and He longs for us to
respond to His love by loving Him. That
is what He desires most of all!
God loves you. Love Him back! And then learn to love others, too, because
God does!
His, by Grace,
Steve
Hi, your blog really touches me, have been reading it for a while... Just wanted you to know about a website i started ReadYourBiblesChurch.com... It's a place for Bible study guides.. I also put a forum in that can be viewed from a mobile device.. I couldn't find where to contact you privately so I'm commenting, hope that is okay. :) God Bless!
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