The LORD our God
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Introduction:
The phrase "The LORD our God" is a central tenet in the Judeo-Christian tradition, encapsulating the monotheistic belief in one sovereign, omnipotent, and personal God. This expression is deeply rooted in the Hebrew Scriptures and carries profound theological significance, reflecting God's covenant relationship with His people.

Biblical Foundation:
The declaration "The LORD our God" is prominently featured in the Shema, a foundational Jewish prayer found in Deuteronomy 6:4: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One" . This verse underscores the monotheistic essence of the faith, affirming that Yahweh is the sole deity worthy of worship and allegiance.

Attributes of The LORD Our God:
1. Sovereignty: The LORD is depicted as the supreme ruler over all creation. Psalm 47:2 states, "How awesome is the LORD Most High, the great King over all the earth!" . His sovereignty is absolute, and His will is executed throughout the universe.

2. Holiness: The holiness of God is a recurring theme, emphasizing His purity and moral perfection. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy’" .

3. Faithfulness: God's faithfulness is a cornerstone of His character, assuring believers of His unwavering commitment to His promises. Deuteronomy 7:9 affirms, "Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments" .

4. Love and Compassion: The LORD is characterized by His love and compassion towards His creation. Psalm 103:8 declares, "The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" .

5. Justice: God's justice is integral to His nature, ensuring that righteousness prevails. Isaiah 30:18 states, "For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for Him" .

Covenant Relationship:
The phrase "The LORD our God" signifies a covenantal relationship between God and His people. This relationship is marked by mutual commitments, where God promises to be the protector and provider, while His people are called to obedience and worship. Exodus 6:7 illustrates this covenant: "I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians" .

Worship and Obedience:
The acknowledgment of "The LORD our God" demands a response of worship and obedience. Deuteronomy 10:12-13 exhorts, "And now, O Israel, what does the LORD your God ask of you but to fear the LORD your God by walking in all His ways, to love Him, to serve the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul, and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD that I am giving you this day for your own good?" .

The LORD Our God in the New Testament:
In the New Testament, the understanding of "The LORD our God" is expanded through the revelation of Jesus Christ. Jesus affirms the Shema in Mark 12:29-30, emphasizing the continuity of the monotheistic faith: "The most important is, ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is One. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength’" . Through Christ, believers are invited into a deeper relationship with God, experiencing His grace and truth.

Conclusion:
The phrase "The LORD our God" encapsulates the essence of the relationship between God and His people, highlighting His attributes, covenant faithfulness, and the call to worship and obedience. This foundational concept continues to shape the faith and practice of believers, affirming the centrality of God in their lives.
The Lord of the Sabbath
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