The speaker introduces the topic of loving God deeply while fearing to disappoint Him, drawing from Parashat Ekev and Deuteronomy 7:12. He emphasizes that God's covenant with Israel is fundamentally a covenant of love, not merely rules and regulations, connecting this to the Shema prayer about loving God with all one's heart, soul, and might.
The speaker explores Deuteronomy 10:12 to explain that fearing God and loving God are combined concepts in biblical terms, not contradictory. Rather than meaning terror or dread, fear of God represents deep respect and reverence—wanting to please Him as one's king—while recognizing God's sovereignty separate from viewing Him merely as a friend.
The speaker presents statistical evidence that the word "love" appears 23 times in Deuteronomy compared to minimal mentions in Exodus, Leviticus, and Numbers, establishing Deuteronomy as the book of God's covenant of love. He concludes by calling listeners to recognize and worship God with unified fear and love, listening to the Spirit's voice through Moses, the prophets, and Yeshua.
Join Stefano as he explores Parashat Ekev (Deuteronomy 7:12–11:25) and uncovers the heart behind God's covenant with His people.
When we read God's commandments, it's easy to focus on the rules and miss the relationship. In this week's Living Portion, Stefano reminds us that God's covenant is first and foremost a covenant of love. Our obedience is not driven by fear of punishment, but by a deep love and reverence for the One who first loved us.
As Moses calls Israel to love the Lord with all their heart and to walk in His ways, we're challenged to rediscover the biblical meaning of the fear of the Lord—not as terror, but as awe, devotion, and wholehearted worship. When love and reverence come together, we learn to live faithfully before our King.
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