A Hebraic Thought for the WeekOne of the most important differences between a Hebraic understanding of Scripture and our modern Western way of thinking is that the Bible often describes faith as something we do, not merely something we believe. In Hebrew thought, hearing and doing are closely connected. This is beautifully expressed in the Hebrew word shema (שְׁמַע), usually translated “hear.” When Scripture says, “Hear, O Israel” — Shema Yisrael (שְׁמַע יִשְׂרָאֵל) — it is calling Israel to more than simply listen to words. To shema is to hear with the intention of responding. Biblical hearing expects obedience. What enters the ear is meant to affect the way we live. This helps explain why simply knowing what Scripture says does not always produce change in our lives. We can hear a sermon, agree with it, feel convicted by it, and still return to the same behavior. Hebraically, hearing is not complete until what we have heard begins to shape what we do. That is also why the Hebraic concept of teshuvah (תְּשׁוּבָה) is so important. Teshuvah is more than feeling sorry for sin. It means “return.” Genuine teshuvah calls us to turn from the direction we have been traveling and return to God and His ways. We do not merely regret what we have done—we begin walking in a different direction. So here is a question worth considering this week: Is there something God has already spoken to you about that you have heard, understood, and even agreed with—but have not yet acted upon? Perhaps breaking a cycle begins when hearing becomes doing, and regret becomes return.
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