A religious leader approached Jesus and asked, “ Sir what is the first and greatest commandment?” Jesus answered, Listen! The Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. “The second is to Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.”

It is true and all Christians know it. All the commandments of God are contained in these words, “ Love God with all your heart and love your neighbor as yourself.” I do not intend to take anything away from those commandments but I believe that we have missed the first commandment in this passage of scripture. You see the very first thing Jesus commanded us to do was to “ listen”.

Read the Bible and you will hear the voice of Jesus as he teaches the whole counsel of God. Listen to the wind in the trees and be reminded that the Holy Spirit reveals knowledge of the Holy One. Hear the laughter of a child and know that there is joy in heaven over the salvation of a lost soul. Hear the shuddering sobs of mourners and understand that Jesus weeps with the brokenhearted. Just listen and the evidence of God’s love will be heard all around.

So, rise early and listen as a new day begins. Hear the last call of the whippoorwill and the awakening coo of a dove. Listen as the raucous cawing of a crow instigates the chattering debate of squirrels. In the distance, a cow is lowing to be fed and closer by hummingbirds are quarreling over the feeder. Through all this noise you can’t help but love the Lord your God with all your heart. Especially when this cacophony of nature transforms into the symphony of creation. You see it’s just an old fashion love song that was written for you and me and it’s being sung in perfect harmony.

Douglas & Deborah Huff

Pavement Ends Ministry