A Legacy of Love (MPLS)

Deuteronomy 6:1–9

Now this is the commandment—the statutes and the ordinances—that the Lord your God charged me to teach you to observe in the land that you are about to cross into and occupy, so that you and your children and your children’s children, may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life, and keep all his decrees and his commandments that I am commanding you, so that your days may be long. Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe them diligently, so that it may go well with you, and so that you may multiply greatly in a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your ancestors, has promised you. 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. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Mark 12:38–44

As he taught, Jesus said, “Beware of the scribes, who like to walk around in long robes, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have the best seats in the synagogues and places of honor at banquets! They devour widows’ houses and for the sake of appearance say long prayers. They will receive the greater condemnation.” He sat down opposite the treasury, and watched the crowd putting money into the treasury. Many rich people put in large sums. A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which are worth a penny. Then he called his disciples and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For all of them have contributed out of their abundance; but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.”

‘Text Message’ Reflection:
From Pastor Heather Roth Johnson

What a fabulous Sunday this will be as we have two of my favorite Bible stories. The Deuteronomy passage is part of the Shema, which is a Hebrew word meaning “Listen!” or “Hear!”  It emphasizes the importance of loving God with all your heart, soul and strength. The Shema instructs God’s people to keep God’s commandments in their hearts. They are to teach them to their children and discuss them. The people are to remember the importance of God’s greatness and their commitment to a covenant relationship.

The gospel story is about Jesus, a poor widow, and her two small coins that she places in the temple treasury. Jesus highlights her contribution. He knows that the widow gave more than the wealthy because it was all she had. Two small coins. Jesus teaches us the value of giving and the heart behind generosity.

Both of these stories place an emphasis on your heart. Deuteronomy says, “Listen—Love God with all your heart…” and Jesus says, “Hear this…God only wants your heart, that’s how and why you can be generous!” In a time of division, seek unity. In a time when hearts are breaking because of the world around them, seek healing. In a time, when you can be anything, listen with your heart, and hear the words of God in it, and be love to one another.

‘Text Message’ Reflection Questions:

• How do you maintain your relationship with God? Do you read God’s word daily? Why or why not?
• When was the last time you thought about generosity and what motivates you to give?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, unite our hearts in love, filling us with compassion and kindness. May we reflect Your light, bringing harmony and strength to all. Amen.