Hear, O Israel
Photo by Vincent Guth on Unsplash
Hearing Is An Invitation To Grasp The Depth Of Love
by Eric Elkin
“Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 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 heavens came to life this winter in Minnesota. If you live in the state, you had several opportunities to witness phenomenal northern lights displays. Friends posted incredible pictures of the events. These people were not trained photographers using advanced cameras. They were simply awake at the right time with a phone in their hands.
Night-time pictures that capture the beauty of celestial events are difficult to take. If you have ever tried taking a picture of the moon, you know what I am talking about. The image rarely reflects the power of the live experience. So, these pictures on phones meant the live event must have been really spectacular.
I could explain what causes aurora borealis. Still, I would only be using words both of us do not fully understand. The simple truth is that when the northern lights occur, we witness the power of the universe beyond our grasp. Especially when the display is so powerful that it breaks through earth's ground light pollution.
“Sometimes I do get to places just when God’s ready to have somebody click the shutter.”
The night sky is our window into the realm of the Almighty. In the darkness, we see a world beyond our control. The universe puts us in our place. We are not masters of our destiny, merely microscopic particles on a piece of cosmic dust floating around in space.
How does that make you feel? Small and insignificant? Perhaps it does, but there is a different way to think about it. If something so small is given everything it needs for life, then maybe, something out there cares deeply for us.
We take so much for granted. Humanity did not create air for us to breathe nor water for us to drink. All the means necessary for an abundant life were given without one plea on our part. Without submitting a request, we were granted a smile, a song of laughter in our hearts, and the sweet caress of a hand. Looking into the dark night sky, I can only see profound love for you and me.
The first and greatest commandment begins, "Hear, O Israel…" It reminds me of Jesus' preaching, "Let those with ears hear." The invitation to hear is an invitation to grasp the love we received without asking. What other response besides love could you have for such a gift?
The next time you look in the mirror, I hope you can see beauty beyond understanding. You are more beautiful than any northern light display, and your image is easier to capture on a cellphone. Embrace this truth, then help someone else find their beauty. If you do these things, you'll understand why this commandment is so great.
Click to read Mark 12:28-34
Reflection Questions:
What do you see when you look into the dark night sky?
How often do you try to see what you have freely been given?
What does it take for you to “hear” God?
How often do you see the miracle of creation when looking into the mirror?
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