The Greatest Commandment: The Lord's Invitation to Love

By Marty Alan Michelson

The Greatest Commandment explores core biblical and theological themes in an intentionally readable style with fresh, new insight. Using an important passage from the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) central to Jewish faith, The Greatest Commandment explores what this passage means for modern believers. With focus on Hebrew language and culture, coupled with a perspective that is attentive to Jesus in the New Testament, this sensitive book gives insight on how we should live. Though the book is intended to be simple, it offers deep, thoughtful insight into understanding what the New Testament refers to as The Greatest Commandment, gleaned from where it is originally found in Deuteronomy 6:4-9. The author uses academic insight, coupled with pastoral care in presenting these Biblical ideas that matter in everyday life. This book lives up to its subtitle, as it invites readers to learn afresh what it means to the love the LORD with their whole lives.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dust Jacket Press
• Release date: Jul 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781937602635

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© 2012 by Marty Alan Michelson

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Library of congress Catalogue Publication Data:

Michelson, Marty Alan, 1971-

Title: The Greatest Commandment: The LORD’s Invitation to Love

Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (NRSV) are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (CEB) are taken from the Common English Bible. Copyright© 2011 by the Common English Bible. All rights reserved. Used by Permission.

Scripture quotations marked (JPS) are taken from the Tanakh Electronic Edition Copyright© 1998 by the Jewish Publication Society All Rights Reserved.

Scripture quotations marked (KJV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, KING JAMES VERSION.

Scripture quotations marked (NASB) are taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

I. Bible I. Hebrew Scripture

BM670 .S45 M53 2012

Shema

Love—Religious aspects—Christianity

God —Worship and Love

Cover Design by Nate Wiewel Web Design

Interior Design by D.E. West at ZAQ Designs

License Notes

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Endorsements

This book will deepen your understanding and practice of the faith, and should be essential reading for those who long to fully understand and live the Greatest Commandment.

~Rob Bullock, Vice President of the Presbyterian Foundation

Everyone that has committed to the journey of loving God entirely should pick up this book.

~David Perkins, Founder of Desperation Ministries

This book merits not only personal reading, but would be an excellent resource for a short term small group Bible study.

~Randall Spindle, Preaching Minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church

An invitation to live a life of love in a way that makes a real difference. Great stuff!

~Thomas Jay Oord, Professor of Theology & Philosophy at Northwest Nazarene University

To all who want to walk their biblical talk, this book was written for you.

~ Patrick Allen, PhD is the Provost at George Fox University

Marty’s writings reveal the simple message of the Sh’ma, to love. That message is what I have witnessed in Marty’s everyday life.

~Trent Ward is CEO & President of WCT Resources

This is a must read for those wanting to faithfully fulfill the Lord’s instructions regarding their purpose.

~ Dr. Herbert Reynolds Davis is the Executive Vice President at Apex School of Theology

This book is a gracious reminder that we need to re-engage with the God who reveals Himself in this defining statement in Deuteronomy.

~ Jesse C Middendorf is a General Superintendent for the Church of the Nazarene

With wit and clarity, Marty invites us to join him in re-discovering the spiritual basics of the Judeo-Christian tradition. This book was extremely helpful to me, and I’m sure it will be helpful for you.

~ Adam Ericksen is the Educational Director for The Raven Foundation (ravenfoundation.org)

Bridges the gap that too often exists between the Academy and the Church . . . Marty combines the heart of a pastor and the scholarship of a professor.

~ Wendell Sutton is a Professor of Theology at Mid-America Christian University

Here, at last, is a scholarly and applicable attempt to remind us of a spiritual truth long embraced by believing people groups over the centuries.

~ Kevin C. Rodgers is Executive Director at Reaching Our City (OKC, OK)

Dr. Michelson unpacks how our God desires us to engage with Him. Read this book!

~ Rev. Rob R. Bollinger is Founder & President of Nehemiah’s Restoration, Inc.(Denver, CO)

Dr. Marty Michelson invites us, not to one fine dining establishment, but to a series of them. . . . I recommend the feasts to those hungry to know God.

~ Paul Garverick is the Director of Religion Programs in the College of Adult & Professional Studies Indiana Wesleyan University

An insightful & faithful reflection on the Sh’ma that will speak to the hearts & lives of many for generations to come.

~ Kimberly Jayne holds Masters Degrees in Theology & Education as she pursues her Ph.D. in Counseling

This is a relevant message to the Church as it endeavors to engage an increasingly urban and global world.

~ Charles K. Barr J.R. L.C.S.W. is a School Social Worker & Therapist from Chicago

Marty reveals how the central call from the Torah is for us to be passionately in love with God. Wow! Great stuff.

~ Howard Culbertson is author of Discovering Missions

In simple prose, inviting and conversational, Marty Michelson beckons us to listen for God’s Sh’ma. Deeply sensitive to the nuances of Hebrew Scripture and shaped by its textures.

~ Michael Lodahl is Professor of Theology & World Religions at Point Loma Nazarene University

Dedication

Deuteronomy 6:4-9, the Sh’ma, has two primary audiences; the present generation and the future generation.

It is appropriate therefore that I dedicate this book to the generation before me and the generation of the future.

To Great Grandparents & Grandparents whose lives I experienced: Asta Janzen, Louise Zimbelman, Emil & Rose Michelson, Emil & Ruth Zimbelman, Harold & Doris Michelson.

To my parents, Don & Darlene Michelson. Thanks for nurturing my life in family & faith.

To the people of my childhood church, Eugene (Oregon) First Church of the Nazarene. These people enculturated me into the faith community through leadership including Pastor Larry, Pastor Denny & Pastor Daryl.

To Nathan, Cambree & Kylie – our children. We are raising you to become people who are faithful, honest, kind and true, gracious and generous; people who reflect and embody the life of the God’s Kingdom. May you discern this in Sh’ma.

To Tesco. Conceived to eternal life.

Acknowledgements

I invited several friends to help me edit the final form of this book. They added corrective insight and assistance in every chapter.