The creed of the church under Moses was called the Shema, and that title came from the first word which we translate as “hear.” “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD: And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might (Deu 6:4-5).”
Later, during a period of Israel’s descent into apathetic compromise, God called out to a young boy who would be a mighty prophet in Israel heralding God’s covenant Word. His name is literally a pun on the Shema. Shemuel, or as it is anglicized: Samuel. It means, “Heard from God”. The hallmark of Samuel’s story is that he heard God call when everyone else remained deaf to it.
Down to this day, God’s true people hear His call to repentance, His message of mercy, His Word of everlasting love towards those who come to Him in true faith. Jesus repeatedly called out for those with ears to hear. This water shouts out God’s Word of cleansing, renewal, forgiveness, and new birth in Christ. This boy’s name reminds us all, if you have ears, then hear this summons to a life of repentance & faith.
So welcome our brother to Jesus Christ…
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