The word heart or hearts appears in the Bible approximately 848 times depending on your translation proving the human heart is one of the most important topics in the Word of God.
Genesis 6:5 states that very early in human history things had gotten very bad, "Then the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually." (NASU)
Genesis 8:21 states, "For the intent of man's heart is evil from his youth." (NASU)
Jeremiah 17:9-10 describes the human heart, telling us that only God understands it, and proclaims that a day of reckoning is coming, "The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? I, the Lord, search the heart, I test the mind, Even to give to each man according to his ways, According to the results of his deeds." (NASU)
Because of his murder and adultery, King David received a pretty clear, up-close and personal picture of the condition of the human heart. Seeing the condition of our own heart is pretty scary and downright devastating. If we focus on that very long it will destroy us.
We must understand that this vision of our heart is designed to drive us to Jesus. Psalm 51 is evidence that David understood what the proper response was once Nathan confronted him with his sin.
David wrote, "Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity And cleanse me from my sin. For I know my transgressions, And my sin is ever before me. Against You, You only, I have sinned And done what is evil in Your sight, So that You are justified when You speak And blameless when You judge." (Psalms 51:2-4 NASU)
David knew that while he had done great harm to humans, the main problem with his sin was that it was mainly against God. David clearly agreed with God that he (David) was wrong and God was absolutely justified in judging him. That is the first step in being reconciled to God. David also went to the only source of cleansing. David cried to the One he had offended, asking to be thoroughly cleansed.
David had known the Lord, but his sin had broken the fellowship he had previously enjoyed with the Lord. Psalms 51:7-12 tells how that sweet fellowship can be restored, "Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness, Let the bones which You have broken rejoice. Hide Your face from my sins And blot out all my iniquities. Create in me a clean heart, O God, And renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence And do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of Your salvation And sustain me with a willing spirit." (NASU)
God is a good God, a gracious God, a merciful God. While we were still sinners, God the Father sent His Son to die for us. This is where forgiveness is found, whether you are a backslidden believer or one who is still lost in his sins, destined for eternal separation from God.
We must agree with God that we have sinned against Him and cry out for His mercy and forgiveness. Christ on the cross is clear evidence that God stands ready to extend mercy upon mercy and grace upon grace to the repenting sinner who throws himself on His mercy.
Steve Ellison's 15 years coaching and teaching in public schools have given him a deep love for high school students. He spent seven years on staff with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which fostered a tremendous interest in sports ministry. His life's purpose is to teach the Bible in a way that will capture the attention of a world that desperately needs it. He currently works as camp administrator at Ouachita Baptist Assembly, providing preaching, revivals and youth events. Email questions or comments to [email protected].
Religion on 02/21/2015