Mezuzah
A reading for Thursday, October 13, 2016: Deuteronomy 6:1-9.
In the Jewish tradition, the mezuzah is a case of container that holds a parchment with the words of our scripture lesson from today on it. In addition to Deuteronomy 6:9, Deuteronomy 11:20 is also included.
For the most part, Judaism is like Christianity in that it is a portable faith, in that we take it wherever we go. So why would faithful Jews want to affix something permanent to their homes in observance of their faith.
The reasons are twofold. First, the mezuzah reminds them each day as they come and go from their home of the covenant that they enjoy with God. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." Second, the mezuzah serves as a symbol for any neighbors or friends who visit the house of the convictions and beliefs of the household. It is a witness to faith...
Most Christians don't observe such a practice, but some do. Nonetheless we might consider the commandments in the same way, mezuzah or not. Each day as we come and go, the commandments remind us that God loves us and wishes that "our days may be long." We observe the commandments as part of our covenant with God. Just as much, our observance of God's commandments are a witness to others of our convictions and our beliefs. Others should be able to tell we are Christian by the way we live our lives.
The commandments are a gift from God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
In the Jewish tradition, the mezuzah is a case of container that holds a parchment with the words of our scripture lesson from today on it. In addition to Deuteronomy 6:9, Deuteronomy 11:20 is also included.
For the most part, Judaism is like Christianity in that it is a portable faith, in that we take it wherever we go. So why would faithful Jews want to affix something permanent to their homes in observance of their faith.
The reasons are twofold. First, the mezuzah reminds them each day as they come and go from their home of the covenant that they enjoy with God. "Hear, O Israel: The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might." Second, the mezuzah serves as a symbol for any neighbors or friends who visit the house of the convictions and beliefs of the household. It is a witness to faith...
Most Christians don't observe such a practice, but some do. Nonetheless we might consider the commandments in the same way, mezuzah or not. Each day as we come and go, the commandments remind us that God loves us and wishes that "our days may be long." We observe the commandments as part of our covenant with God. Just as much, our observance of God's commandments are a witness to others of our convictions and our beliefs. Others should be able to tell we are Christian by the way we live our lives.
The commandments are a gift from God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Comments
Post a Comment