Dunn Funn

 34Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. 35One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: 36“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” 37Jesus replied: ” ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’^[a] 38This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’^[b] 40All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

The most quoted verse in the Bible is….are you ready for this…….not John 3:16, not Genisis 1:1, not even one of the Roman Road verses.  It’s Deuteronomy 6:5.  Everyday, millions of Jewish people wake up reciting this verse.  It begins each Jewish worship service and its the first verse every Jewish boy and girl memorizes.  And why?  I believe its because it is the most important concept to internalize.  Love is above all else, Love is the Greatest Commandment. 

 

Deuteronomy 6:5 (New International Version)

Ok, I’ll admit it.  One of my favorite movies is “Hitch.”  It’s a chick flick, its sappy, but I LOVE IT.  I love the comedy, I love the intelligence of it.  I like Will Smith as an actor.  AND I love the theme of the movie:  Love Takes Risks.

There’s a chapter in the movie titled “Shock and Awe.”  In it one of the main characters is trying to “Shock and Awe” his love interest.  Albert (played by Kevin James) is trying to impress Allegra Cole, a famously rich New Yorker.  Albert is your typical guy-clueless in the ways of women and he hires Hitch (Will Smith) to help coach him.  Albert is taking a big risk, he’s way out of Allegra’s league, but yet he knows its worth it.  So,  in his first attempt he stands up to his boss, quits his job, AND gains an opportunity to start a relationship with Miss Cole, albeit a professional relationship, but at least the door is open.  He’s in love and he’s willing to take a risk. 

Love is risky and choosing to love is even riskier, but like Albert, we know its worth it.  Love is truly important to our lives as Christians.  Love IS the law in which we live under.  Love IS more important than anything in this world.  I think Jesus makes it very clear in His words to the Pharisees.  They were living under “The Law of Moses.”  Maybe “living under it” is not the right term.  They thought that law was more important than anything else.  They talked about the law, fought about the law, and in my opinion were worshiping the law.  They knew the law, but they did not understand it.  They did not internalize it.  Jesus was calling them out, laying the smack down, whatever you want to call it.  He was saying, “Get your priorities straight guys…”

Love God, Love your neighbor.  When we love God, we begin to love others.  Its an expression of our faith, of our commitment to the Creator. 

 

1 John 3:14-18 (New International Version)

Jesus laid down his life for US.  We need to do the same for others.  Will you take that risk?