Day Thirteen - Let me remind you

Numbers 32:30 to Deuteronomy 7:26

We end the Book of Numbers with a review of where the Israelites have encamped over the past 40 years, and a look ahead to the land they will soon possess.  The Book of Deuteronomy then offers a series of addresses by Moses to the people that remind them of not just where they've been, but how the LORD God has formed them as his own people out of the nations of the world.

Most noteworthy for me today are the words of Deuteronomy 6:4-5, words that to this day are central to the daily morning and evening prayers of Jews.  Shema Yisrael (Hear, O Israel): The LORD our God, the LORD is one.  Love the LORD your God with all your soul and with all your strength.  A beautiful musical video of the Shema Yisrael can be viewed at www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hdG1aXIExl. (If the link won't play the video, you may have to type the address in your browser.)

Moses then implores the people to keep in their hearts all the words that the LORD has commanded and to teach them to their children.  The words of God will be one their lips from morning to night, and every entry way and exit will be emblazoned with their message.  Such a command must make us ask how diligently we pass on our faith, our experiences and stories of God, to our own children and communities.