Pastor Tricia's Ramblings

On January 27, 1986, a gathering of engineers at Cape Canaveral faced a pivotal moment in history that would send shockwaves across the nation. They discussed serious concerns regarding the launch of the Challenger space shuttle—specifically about the effects of cold weather on critical O-rings meant to ensure safety. Among them, Alan McDonald, the head of the watch team, raised a crucial safety alarm regarding the implications of these cold temperatures on the integrity of the shuttle’s seals. However, his warnings fell on deaf ears the following day, January 28, when the Challenger was launched.
As students watched what was supposed to be a groundbreaking moment in educational history—the first teacher taking a journey into space—tragedy struck just 73 seconds into flight. The shuttle broke apart in mid-air, leading to the loss of all seven crew members on board. This calamity could have been averted if the warnings had not just been acknowledged, but acted upon. The Challenger disaster starkly illustrates the modern-day echo of what the Hebrew word “Shema” represents, rooted within Scripture through passages such as Deuteronomy 6:6–13 and Matthew 7:24–27.

Understanding Shema

To fully appreciate the implications of “Shema,” it is essential to understand its meaning in the context of ancient Hebrew. In Deuteronomy 6:4, we encounter the command, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.” The translation of this command into English does not encapsulate the full weight of the word “Shema.” While “hearing” in English suggests a passive act—simply allowing sound to enter our ears—in the ancient Hebrew context, “Shema” embodies a call to attentiveness and active obedience. “Shema” encapsulates both listening and obeying; there is no separate term for “obey” in Hebrew, as the act of hearing is intended to spur an individual to action.
In practical terms, “Shema” calls us to respond to what we hear; to move into action is to hear. God provides a model of this concept in Exodus 2:24, where we read that He “heard” (Shema) the groaning of His people in slavery and took action. Similarly, in Psalm 34:17, David writes, “When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears (Shema) and delivers them.” Here, the act of hearing is integrally connected to the subsequent action taken. When God hears the cry of His people, He is moved to act.
The expectation for us today is reminiscent. God’s words in Exodus 19:5 state, “If you obey (Shema) my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession.” The call to “Shema” is not a mere invitation to auditory reception; it requires a response—a commitment to act.

The Consequences of Inaction

Samuel’s rebuke of Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22 intensifies this point, declaring, “To obey (Shema) is better than sacrifice.” This poignant reminder tells us that hearing without doing falls short of divine expectation. When we hear God’s word but fail to act, we miss the mark. The Challenger incident is a haunting illustration of this concept; the failure to heed warnings led to tragic consequences—a calamity without parallel that could have been prevented.
Jesus builds upon the foundation of “Shema” in the New Testament, specifically in Matthew 7:24–27, where He teaches about two builders—the wise man who builds his house on rock and the foolish man who builds on sand. Both men hear the same words from Jesus, but the critical distinction lies in their responses. The wise man hears and acts upon the teachings, solidifying his foundation, while the foolish man hears but chooses not to act, resulting in a catastrophic collapse when the storms of life strike.
The Greek word used for “hear” in this passage,”Akouo” echoes the idea of “Shema”. It is the same spirit as the ancient Hebrew understanding—a call not merely to listen but to engage in action and obedience. Thus, “Shema” goes beyond incomplete understanding; it unveils the potential catastrophic effects of a life unanchored by active obedience to God’s word.

A Modern-Day Reflection

This raises important questions: What have you heard from God that remains unacted upon? Perhaps you have sensed His calling in your life, nudging you toward a purpose, a relationship, or a personal transformation. Are you reflecting on what is required of you to align with His will? This process asks us to self-examine and recognize instances where passive hearing may inhibit our growth and fulfillment.
Just as the engineers faced a choice to take action regarding their concerns for the Challenger, we too stand at crossroads where we must choose whether to act. Are we listening carefully to the divine wisdom available to us through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of others? Are we allowing His call to penetrate our hearts in a way that stirs us into immediacy?
The implications of not acting are dire. Our lives built upon a foundation of hearing without doing can lead to profound disappointment. In our spiritual lives, failing to respond to God’s call can lead to a spiritual drought, unfulfilled potential, and a misalignment with His purpose for our existence.

The Path to Action

So, what steps can we take to ensure our lives are built upon the solid rock of obedience modeled by both “Shema” and Jesus’ teaching? Here are some practical approaches:

1. Meditate on God’s Word

Regularly engage with Scripture to familiarize yourself with His voice. Devote time to be still and listen; hone your ability to discern His guidance.

2. Journal Your Prayers

Writing down your conversations with God can help clarify what you’ve heard. It can also serve as a record of His faithfulness when you look back on how He has responded to your heart.

3. Discuss with Others

Share your experiences and revelations with trusted friends or mentors. Conversations can open up challenges and encourage accountability.

4. Act with Intentionality

Take the first steps toward obedience. Whether it is reaching out to a friend in need or pursuing a calling you feel passionate about—let your actions align with what you’ve heard.

5. Practice Gratitude

Remain thankful for the guidance and wisdom you receive. Gratitude helps reinforce your understanding of God’s faithfulness and your commitment to respond.

6. Embrace Vulnerability

Sometimes, we fear what others may say about our actions. Being vulnerable can lead to growth, both individually and communally.

7. Stay Committed

Recognize this is a continual journey. Our faith is not a one-time decision but an ongoing commitment to “Shema” in our daily living, anchoring ourselves in obedience.

Conclusion

Hearing God’s voice and obeying His call are inextricably linked through the principle of “Shema.” This complex Hebrew term captures the essence of engagement—actively listening and mobilizing ourselves into action. The tragedy of the Challenger reinforces the potential consequences of inaction when we disregard warnings and insights.
In our own lives, as we navigate the storms of our existence, let us heed the timeless truth found in both Deuteronomy 6:6–13 and Matthew 7:24–27—our foundations must be built on active listening and obedience. The Lord is beckoning us to not merely listen, but to actively participate in the unfolding of His divine purpose. Each moment of “Shema” is an opportunity for action, for renewal, and for an enduring commitment to build a life steadied upon His words. Are we ready to respond?