Walking With Jesus (Intimacy) Sample

Wholeheartedly

Deuteronomy 6:5

We will discuss the heart, one of the physical organs that the Bible uses to describe emotions and attitudes.

Let’s talk about the heart (leb/lebab in Hebrew) first. Theologians divide human personality into intellect, sensibility (emotions), and will. The Old Testament uses “leb” to describe these three meanings:

(1) Intellect (mind), which is sometimes translated as “leb”. The context in which we use this word will determine its meaning. For example, Proverbs 12:11 says, "Those who work their land will have abundant food, but those who chase fantasies have no sense (leb).”

(2) Emotions (feelings). Leb expresses all emotions, both positive and negative. 2 Samuel 17:10 uses the word 'heart of a lion' to describe courage; Hannah's heart rejoiced (1 Samuel 2:1); Jacob's heart was cold when he heard that Joseph was still alive (Genesis 45:26); God's heart was grieved because of man's sin (Genesis 6:6).

3) Will. The heart is the place where humans make decisions in expressing their will. For example, Moses explained that the will to follow God's commandments did not come from his own heart (Exodus 16:28).

Second, the inside part of a body (meim). This word is used 23 times in the Old Testament, and it is always in the plural. This word has a physical meaning and refers to the reproductive system—the womb (Genesis 15:4; Isaiah 48:19). Meim is also used to express emotions, especially affection (Jeremiah 31:20) and anger in the heart (Lamentations 1:20). The apostle Paul used the term "splangchna” in Greek, which did not refer literally to the intestines but to the liver, lungs, and pancreas in the sense of mercy twice. (Philippians. 2:1; Colossians 3:12).

Third, the kidney (kelayot)—the mind. More than half of the 31 times of its usage, this word always refers to the organ that filters urine (kidneys). This word refers to the deepest part of a person nine times. The Lord tests the mind (kelayot) and heart (Jeremiah 11:20). This word is also used as an idiom about God's very severe discipline (Job 16:13; Lamentations 3:13)

These three words show us how the deepest part of our lives should turn to God. We must not be passive. God knows the deepest part of our hearts, but we must decide to surrender our hearts to Him. We must show our love, worship, and ministries to God with all our hearts, souls, and minds. We need to totality follow God.

Reflection:

1.What is the condition of your heart before the Lord?

2.Do you serve the Lord with all your heart?

Practice: Turn your heart fervently toward God.