#Jesus22 - Daily DevotionalsSample

In Switzerland, there is a Catholic ritual on Epiphany (6 January). On this day, children dressed as carol singers go from house to house and write the letters C+M+B on the doorframes with chalk. The three letters do not stand for the three kings Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar, as many assume, but for Christus Mansionem Benedicat: in English, Christ bless this house.

Yesterday, we learned that the doorstep was the altar of the house. That is where the deity, which was to reign in that house, was defined. In addition, pictures of the respective deity were often placed on the door or on the door frames. Even today there are people who nail horseshoes to their doors or other lucky charms. They are supposed to bring blessing and protection to the house.

In Deut. 6:4-9, Moses asks the people of Israel to write the following words on their doorposts:

“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 strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 NIV)

Here, too, a clear statement is made: "This house is dedicated to the Lord alone. He reigns here. He blesses and protects us. Our heart belongs to Him alone. Him we love, Him we serve with all our strength."

Jesus later refers to this very verse, which sealed the doorstep covenant, as the most important commandment. No wonder this very verse was to be engraved on the doorposts of the doors and city gates. Not only each individual household, but also the entire city was to serve the Lord.

ACTION STEP

Today, write the words of Deut. 6:4-5 on your front door or the doorposts of your front door. You can put it up permanently, as a statement that will remain, or just for now (e.g., with chalk) to clearly define your stand in the spiritual world. Let your creativity run wild, and, if you have a family, be sure to do this with your kids.