An astronomer and a theologian were flying next to each other on an airplane. The astronomer smugly turned to his seatmate and said: "You know, there is no need for all those millionsA of volumes of religious literature. The whole essence of religion can be summed up in one simple phrase: 'Love thy neighbor, as thyself,'" whereupon the theologian retorted, "And the whole science of astronomy can be summed up in the simple phrase, 'Twinkle, twinkle, little star.'"
One of the habits that hasn't changed in the history of mankind is our tendency to try to reduce the complex into a simple saying that will fit on a bumper sticker. We are studying the Ten Commandments on Wednesday night just now, and I learned today that some Jews tried to use them as a "bumper sticker".
In the ancient Temple in Jerusalem, the Ten Commandments was always proclaimed before the Shema. Strangely enough, however, outside the Temple, however, the practice was banned. The rabbis felt that though the Ten Commandments helped give people a rough outline, the real picture of God came from reading the whole Torah - memorizing it and applying it.
What about us? Are we guilty?
Most people, when asked about the good news of Jesus will quote John 3:16.
16 "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life
John 3:16 (NLT)
As great as that verse is, it only begins to describe our riches in Christ Jesus. There is so, so, so much more.
Take 10 minutes tomorrow and read the story of God's love. You can even begin in John. :)
Grace!
David Wilson
www.newhopevalp.org
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