Lenten Devotional 04: YHWH Alone

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-25

For the Yahwhist, Elohist, Deuteronomist, priestly writers and final redactors of the Primary History (Genesis-Kings) the text of Deuteronomy is the centerpiece. The core of the book of Deuteronomy is in these words, “The LORD is our God, the LORD alone” (6:4, NRSV).

Why does the passage revere YHWH as God alone? The Lord has rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt and will fulfill the promise made to their ancestors; by bringing them into the land of promise. In the same way, Christ is God alone, having rescued all of humanity from the bondage of deception’s curse on our will, and has fulfilled the law. All are given the grace of God’s promise (by way of the cross, in the death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ) many will receive it, some will reject it, and the rest is a mystery of God.

“The LORD is our God, the Lord alone.” Only by the work of God, are the promises of God fulfilled.

In YHWH alone we receive the land of promise; one of milk and honey (vv.1-3).

YHWH alone, we love; by YHWH alone, we do all things (vv. 4-9).

YHWH alone, gave us everything, and YHWH alone we shall not forget (vv. 10-15).

The promise of YHWH alone, we shall remember, and not challenge (vv. 16-19).

The covenant of YHWH alone is, “our lasting good” – YHWH alone, we revere –

And, by YHWH alone we are justified (vv. 20-25).

Lord, you are God alone, “hallowed be your name;” for, you are the LORD alone. All thanks be to you for the promise you made and kept for the Israelites. All thanks be to you for the promise you made for us (through the cross event) that has been fulfilled in death and resurrection. We remain in the hope of Christ’s resurrection; for, resurrection is our promise, by the work of the LORD alone. In the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.