THE GREATEST COMMANDMENT

In Matthew 22:36-40, we read: “‘Teacher, which is the great commandment in the law?’ Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”

“Impossible!” Timmy sighed. “Rules are too hard to follow.”

“Would seem so but...hey, how about we take a walk? It’s a beautiful day.”

“Yessir,” Timmy loved the walks in the woods with Grandfather. Can we hike up to the point?”

“Good idea. Lets take a lunch with us.” Timmy ran ahead--had the peanut butter, jelly, and loaf of bread on the counter. “And a bottle of water to go with my sandwich,” Grandfather said.

Each carrying a backpack and using the special walking sticks Grandfather carved, they stepped onto the trail, headed to the point. Grandfather stopped to watch a squirrel gathering nuts for the winter, then Timmy spotted the fawn. Leaves of all colors cascaded as they waded through the ones on the ground.

They climbed up the trail, resting on a rocky outcropping. Grandfather grabbed Timmy’s jacket. “Too close to the edge, son. Long way to the bottom.” They ate their sandwiches in silence.

No hiking beyond this point

“You told me you didn’t like rules, Timmy. But you followed mine a few minutes ago.” Timmy cocked his head. “Should there be a sign saying, “No hiking beyond this point?”

“That’s funny. Timmy tilted his head. “You stopped me from getting hurt...” He smiled. “I get it. The commandments are for my good.” Grandfather winked at Timmy.

Kingdom Thinking. The Lord Jesus gave us laws in the Old Testament and New Testament. Not to keep us from having a good life, but to protect us and keep us from harm. He loves us with an everlasting love and He has promised never to leave nor forsake us. That includes you. Won’t you come to Him?