< Deuteronomy 6 >

In the beginning God established the family relationship in human life, and he is pleased if parents bring up their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4.Ephesians 6:4XWaiting for response Abraham was commended for this (Genesis 18:19)Genesis 18:19XWaiting for response and Israel were commanded to teach God’s truth to their children. We also may please him by preserving family life in the Lord and teaching our children the ways of God.

The greatest of all the commandments is cited here. Jesus quoted these words when asked which was the greatest commandment in the Law of Moses, and it is the most important commandment for us to keep also. We show our love to God by believing what he says and obeying his commandments. One vital fact about God is that he is One. This is clearly stated here, quoted by Jesus, and emphasised in the response his words evoked Mark 12:32.Mark 12:32XWaiting for response This essential truth has been corrupted by popular Christianity in that God has been changed into a trinity of Gods, supposedly three Gods in one. This idea of the trinity comes from the pagans whose gods Israel were warned against in v14-15.Deuteronomy 6:14-15XWaiting for response

Moses was most concerned that Israel should prosper after his death when they entered the Promised Land. He knew this depended on their obedience to God and so he exhorted them to keep them always in their minds.