Our scripture this morning is Mark 12:28-34.
One of the scribes came and heard them arguing, and recognizing that He had answered them well, asked Him, “What commandment is the foremost of all?” Jesus answered, “The foremost is, ‘Hear, O Israel! The Lord our God is one Lord; and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” The scribe said to Him, “Right, Teacher; You have truly stated that He is One, and there is no one else besides Him; and to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as himself, is much more than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.” When Jesus saw that he had answered intelligently, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that, no one would venture to ask Him any more questions.
While it may seem that the scribe in this story is testing Jesus, after hearing the lesson he answers Jesus with understanding. This example reminds us what is most important in all things. No matter what we do or plan, our relationship with God and each other leads us to the right decision, if we only pray about it.
Think about the things we do daily and how to lift them in prayer. You may say “I can’t pray for everything every day!” That may be true if we think of all the details we have to deal with, but we can ask God to bless and keep us, watching over our daily routine. If we adopt this practice of starting each day with our connection to Him in prayer, we find our days are better.
We will still face difficult times and issues but in God’s presence we find strength and direction for daily life. God wants to be a part of everything we do. Love the Lord your God with everything you have and are!
Heavenly Father, we are often distracted by earthly things and ways. Forgive us and lead us back to the relationship You intend for us all. Amen.
Amen