Pastor's Corner                                               

Teach

The word “teach” is found over 300 times throughout the Bible depending on which version of the Bible one uses. Regardless, the word “teach” appears to be a very important part of learning. Moses is considered one of the greatest teachers in the Bible, not only of the Law of God but also in right living. He is known to be the one to whom God gave the Ten Commandments in the Book of Exodus in Chapter 20 and Moses then taught those commandments. We pick up the Ten Commandments again in Deuteronomy Chapter 5 where Moses has his second address to the people of Israel to remind them to obey the commandments. In Chapter 6 Moses “condenses” how we should view, obey and live for God by saying in verses 5-6 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.”  Fast forward thousands of years later, it is noteworthy to know that every civilized nation in the world has the basis of all their laws from the very premise of the Ten Commandments. Then in the very next verse, Moses says “…teach them diligently to your sons…”

Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment was, surely thinking He would refer to the Ten Commandments. But Jesus quoted Moses and added something we all need to hear. This is how that conversation is recorded in Matthew 22:36-40 “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” 37 And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the great and foremost commandment. 39 The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” I will insert “AMEN” here.

We live in a hurting world today. Between world events, politics, social media and the dreaded deadly disease of gossip, we as Christians should heed the teaching of Jesus, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” I so much want those who claim to be Christians to use words that build up and show love, compassion and encouragement so that we are the true example of ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ But listen, don’t stop there, teach your children to do the same thing. I will close with a quote from Pastor Chuck Swindoll, “We cannot be right with God if we aren’t right with others. Take the first step. It’s your move.”

Blessings to all,

Pastor Paul