Blogging Bible Study: The Heart of the Matter - Jeremiah, part 1

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

Well, our slow but steady crawl through the NIV 84, looking at words translated as 'heart' or 'hearts' has brought us to the book of Jeremiah.  It was almost 31 years ago that my teen Sunday School class embarked on a study of  Jeremiah and I was kinda intimidated...so I bought an International Inductive Study Bible so I had something I could use to dig into that, which led me into a whole new dimension of personal Bible study.  And every time I have worked through any study of Jeremiah, something new always hits me about how absolutely parallel that book is to the current day. So I am kinda expectant as we head into Jeremiah this week.

We hit several verses about heart/ hearts in chapters three and four, so that's what we'll look at today.

Starting off in the middle of a discussion about the faithlessness of Israel and Judah.

"Because Israel's immorality mattered so little to her, she defiled the land and committed adultery with stone and wood. In spite of all this, her unfaithful sister Judah did not return to me with all her heart, but only in pretense, " declares the LORD.  -- Jer. 3:9 - 10; 'heart' is Strong's H 3820, Leb - inner man, mind will, heart, understanding.

We do see a semblance of revival in the last days of Judah; under king Josiah the nation purged themselves of much of the idolatry that had crept in under the reigns of his father and grandfather.  BUT, when Josiah was killed in battle, the nation quickly went back to mixing the worship of other gods into their practices.  A revival that was a revival so long as it was the thing approved by the bigwigs, but once devotion to God alone fell out of favor with the ruling class...it was gone.  'Only in pretense' is the case where folks say and do the stuff...but give it up when it doesn't get them the affirmation from others that they were looking for.  Dare I say that's what happens when kids who grew up active in an evangelic church deconstruct once they are off on their own?  When they mix in a crowd of folks that not only does NOT affirm their beliefs, but openly ridicules them as outdated or ignorant?  Because the heart was never truly engaged?  Just something to consider...

"Return, faithless people," declares the LORD, "for I am your husband.  I will choose you -- one from a town and two from a clan-- and bring you to Zion. Then I will give you shepherds after my own heart, who will lead you with knowledge and understanding." -- Jer. 3:14-15; 'Heart' is H 3820 again.

This is a reference to God's heart...and I almost wonder if it is a reference to David, who was a shepherd that was known as a man after God's own heart.  David made mistakes, but fundamentally he was a man who truly pursued God from his heart.  When he messed up, he owned his error and repented, which may be the clearest indication of one who is 'after God's heart'.  Not that the individual always does the right thing...but that s/he takes ownership when s/he slips into self interest and gets crosswise with God's purposes, then honestly repents.  A people who returns to God from their hearts will be blessed with leaders who also are truly after God's heart.  But those who are in pretense...well, that has its consequences as well....

"At that time they will call Jerusalem The Throne of the LORD, and all nations will gather in Jerusalem to honor the name of the LORD.  No longer will they follow the stubbornness of their evil hearts."  --  Jer. 3:17; 'Hearts' is, once again, H3820.

The contrast here ...honoring the name of the Lord vs. following the stubbornness of an evil heart...is a succinct summary of the choice of mankind.  A heart that is not after God is not a trustworthy guide.

"Circumcise yourselves to the LORD, circumcise your hearts, you men of Judah and people of Jerusalem, or my wrath will break out and burn like fire because of the evil you have done -- burn with no one to quench it."  -- Jer. 4:4;   "Hearts' here is Strong's H 3824, Lebab - inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding.

Circumcision was, of course, the physical mark of dedication to God; a pastor friend of mine has referred to circumcision as 'removing excess flesh that  hinders reproduction'.  I think both concepts apply.  Firstly, identify yourself as belonging to God with an irrevocable mark...and, secondly,  get rid of  the aspects of appetite that would deter one from following God whole heartedly. Because doing otherwise brings...consequences.

Describing the judgment to come, we have

"In that day," declares the LORD, "the king and the officials will lose heart, the priests will be horrified, and the prophets will be appalled." -- Jer. 4:9; 'heart' is H 3820 once more.

The day the judgment that no one believed was coming would be horrific to all of those who had denied it...and, if you read Jeremiah through (not just the 'heart' verses) you'll find that EVERYONE...from the king to the priests to most of the prophets...were denying it.  But it happened, just as prophesied by the true prophets.  

For context, Jeremiah is talking about the visions he has seen in verses 13 - 26 

O Jerusalem, wash the evil from your heart and be saved.  How long will you harbor wicked thoughts?  -- Jer. 4:14; 'heart' is H 3820 again.

Jeremiah is, by and large, one long plea to the people of God to repent and return to him. Honest repentance is always an option.  But people don't want to repent...

"Your own conduct and actions have brought this upon you.  This is your punishment.  How bitter it is!  How it pierces to the heart!  Oh, my anguish, my anguish!  Oh, the agony of my heart!  My heart pounds within me, I cannot keep silent.  For I have heard the sound of the trumpet; I have heard the battle cry."   -- Jer. 4:18-19; all three instances of 'heart' are H 3820.

Jeremiah is known as the Weeping Prophet, because he recorded his laments (we'll hit Lamentations next) but this is an example.  He truly mourned over the fate of the people; even more so that they didn't believe his warnings, but accused him of treason/ colluding with the Babylonians when he was genuinely calling the people to repent to avoid the coming judgment.  He had prophetically seen what was coming and it broke his heart.

Blogging Bible Study: The Heart of the Matter - Isaiah, part 6

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

We are arriving at the end of Isaiah in our tour through scripture looking at verses pertaining to heart/ hearts in the NIV 84. 

Starting one verse early, for context...

For our offenses are many in your sight, and our sins testify against us, and we acknowledge our iniquities: rebellion and treachery against the LORD, turning our backs on our God, fomenting oppression and revolt, uttering lies our hearts have conceived. -- Is. 59:12-13; 'hearts' is Strong's H3820, Leb -- inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding.

There's a lot in that passage; confession and acknowledgement of offense, sin, rebellion...but what jumped out at me is 'uttering lies our hearts have conceived'.  We've talked before of self-deception, and this struck me as an example of that.  Of course, this no doubt covers a lie that is construed intentionally and used maliciously, but it's more insidious when the lie masquerades as a 'personal truth' or some such thing.  A simple version of this lie...'one time won't hurt'...has been the downfall of many folks, but there are much deeper and more sinister self deceptions that in truth, would not hold up to serious, honest scrutiny.  But part of the deception is avoiding any kind of challenge to it.

But there's a reversal in Isaiah 59; the confession and repentance brings about God's redemption, and chapter 60 describes the restoration afterward.  That's the context of the next verse.

Then you will look and be radiant, your heart will throb and swell with joy; the wealth on the seas will be brought to you, to you the riches of the nations will come.  -- Is. 60:5; 'heart' is Strong's H3824, Lebab - inner man, mind, heart, will, soul, understanding.

Joy can be a physical feeling...  and there is nothing like the joy of restoration.

But...restoration for one can mean vengeance for another.

This is the LORD speaking - "For the day of vengeance was in my heart, and the year of my redemption has come." -- Is. 63:4; 'heart' is H 3820 again.

This is actually a reference to God's heart, which we haven't seen in a while.  And...something that should cause us all to pause and reflect...vengeance is in God's heart.  He has grace for all, but there is a time appointed when the grace has been refused for the last time.  After that...what is redemption for some is vengeance for others.

We are taking huge leaps in these closing chapters; the next verse is in chapter 65; God is speaking to those who have abandoned following him (65:11)

"My servants will sing out of the joy of their hearts, but you will cry out from anguish of heart and wail in brokenness of spirit." -- Is. 65:14; both instances of 'heart' are H 3820.

Two different heart conditions...joy and anguish...result from two different life choices: serve God...or not.  It doesn't get much more plain or simple than that.

And, finally, the last verse in Isaiah to reference 'heart' is 66:14, but I'm starting in 13 for context; that's the end of a word from the Lord

"As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem."  When you see this, your heart will rejoice and you will flourish like grass; the hand of the LORD will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes.  'Heart' is H3820 once more.

Those who have repented of their wrongdoing and have served the LORD will have joy of heart and will know the hand of God...but those who oppose him will not have that blessing.  Really hammering home that consequence.

That's a good reminder to do a heart check for the deception that perverts the view of God.  And maybe remember Deut. 30:19...

It's been 45 years...

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

On August 16, 1980, My Sweet Babboo and I said our vows,  exchanged the rings,  cut the cake, and then took off on the first adventure as Mr and Mrs.

After the trip, we settled in The Rocket City, about an hour and a half out of Chattanooga.  

And for the next 45 years, we kept saying we should go to Chattanooga and do the stuff.  So, last weekend being the anniversary of that trip down the aisle, we booked a hotel near downtown and did...a lot of the stuff, lol. 

We had three days;  Day 1 was the Aquarium

Two pavilions and a 3-D Imax theater.  And lots of walking, especially since we walked over to it.  Definitely worth it.

Saturday, we had tickets for an excursion train.  

Three hours at an average of about 13 MPH, lol, but gorgeous views along the Hiwassee and  Ocoee rivers, with a stop for lunch at  a split town...Copper Hill, TN/ McCaysville GA. Ate some fantastic brisket, did a bit of shopping,  then hopped back on the train for the return trip.  My Sweet Babboo is already looking for tickets to do it again in the fall...

Saturday was our anniversary, and I woke up with 'The Top of the World' by Karen Carpenter stuck in my head.  But it was appropriate; we took the incline railway up Lookout Mountain.  

On the top of the world, indeed....

We  walked down to the historical sites and watched the multi-media presentation about the battle of  Chattanooga; lots of interesting things to learn.  The railway is a great way to get up the mountain...but it's a bit awkward to walk to and from seats in the car, due to the slant of the floor.

We didn't manage to see Ruby Falls or Rock City; maybe another time, lol.  

It was a great weekend away...but I still don't know how 45 years have gone by so fast...

Blogging Bible Study: The Heart of the Matter - Isaiah, Part 5

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

So we are in the latter part of Isaiah in our look at 'Heart/ Hearts' through the NIV 84 translation; starting in chapter 46 today.

"Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels."  -- Is. 46:8; 'Heart' is the Hebrew word that has been translated as 'heart', Strong's H3820, Leb - inner man, mind will, heart, understanding.

God is speaking here, and is about to reiterate to the audience who he is and what he does. And he is exhorting them to pay attention and remember it....cause, like, it's kinda important.  Might help their decision making..

The next verse refers to the time when God's people are restored to their land and flourishing; referring to children born in a time of bereavement but have grown up to prosperity:

"Then you will say in your heart, 'Who bore me these?  I was bereaved and barren; I was exiled and rejected.  Who brought these up?  I was left all alone, but these -- where have they come from?'" -- Isaiah 49:21; 'Heart' here is the second most common Hebrew word translated as 'heart'.. Strong's H3824, Lebab - Inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding. 

This is an inner amazement at the way things have turned around.  After a time of such extreme hardship, now not only are the people prospering but their children are as well.  It's almost too much to take in.

Still talking to the restored remnant here:

"Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts:  do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults."  -- Isaiah 51:7; 'Hearts' is H3820 again.

That's a the foundation of knowing and doing what is right...having the law of God in the heart.  This isn't just learned information; this is fundamental identity. What is in the heart determines how an individual lives his or her life.

The rest of the verses we'll look at this week are in chapter 57..the first part of the chapter describes folks who are following their own ideas of right/ wrong and ignoring God, with two verses using 'Heart/ hearts':

The righteous perish, and no one ponders it in his heart; devout men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil. -- Is. 57:1; 'Heart' is H 3820 again.

This verse kinda slapped me.  Righteous folks were dying...or being taken into captivity...and God says it was to spare them from evil.  And no one was considering the pattern or wondering why.  The point isn't what God was doing to protect the righteous from the evil that was coming...the point is that the hearts of the folks were so far removed from following God that they failed utterly to consider what it might mean.

God goes on to iterate the wickedness of those who were left in the land to bear the coming evil.  Sorcery, rebellion, idolatry...it was bad.

Whom have you so dreaded and feared that you have been false to me, and have neither remembered me nor pondered this in your hearts? -- Is. 57:11; 'Hearts' is H 3820 again.

Who is bigger, more powerful, more to be reverenced and in-awe-of than God?  But the people of God had apparently considered another to be more worthy of fear and reverence, as they abandoned the worship of God to follow other practices.  And, again, did not consider the impact of this.  Kinda like Scarlett O'Hara...they shrugged it off, no doubt to 'think about it tomorrow'.

Nothing good can come of putting off considering God's viewpoint on things.

The end of chapter 57, however, shows the value of repentance, and the last verse from today comes from that section.

For this is what the high and lofty One says -- he who lives forever, whose name is holy: "I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite." -- Is. 57:15; 'Heart' is, once more, H 3820.

I did a quick search for a definition of 'contrite' and this is what popped up first...feeling or expressing remorse or penitence; affected by guilt

The one who recognizes his/her wrongdoing for what it is and is repentant...that is a contrite person.  And this person is one that God will make his dwelling, to revive the heart and the spirit.

So...once God's word, God's laws, God's character are taken into consideration and pondered in the heart, the response should be repentance...and that brings God and his blessings near.

Blogging Bible Study - The Heart of the Matter: Isaiah, part 4

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

Halfway through Isaiah in our look at 'Heart/hearts' in the entire Bible (as reported in the NIV 84 Exhaustive concordance), we have some very meaty verses in today's section.

Starting with the first.  I could probably do a whole post on just this one...

The LORD says, "These people come near to me with their mouths, but their hearts are far from me.  Their worship is made up only of rules taught by men."  -- Is. 29:13; 'hearts' is the most common Hebrew word translated 'heart' -- Strong's H 3820, Leb - inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding.

Friends, this is social religion.  Doing the thing because, well, it is what one does.  Doesn't matter if that thing is leaving a bit of one's possession along a walking path so as to not go farther afield than what has been determined an appropriate distance to travel on a particular day, or going through the motions of a church service...of whatever doctrine/denomination...without actually engaging in what is happening.  And that can describe someone in a two-stepping rambunctious worship set just as much as in a  stand-up-sit-down responsive reading.  It's not a question of what, exactly, one is doing during a time of worship; it's a question of where one's heart is positioned.  Am I regarding the voice of the Spirit?  Listening for correction and encouragement; thankful for all the grace I have been shown?  Or am I thinking about...something else?  It's easy to fall into routine and giving everyone around us the impression that I am being pious, or am abandoning myself to uninhibited worship...when, in fact, I am more concerned about the opinion of other people...not God.  Sort of like Barnabas bringing the proceeds from a property sale to the church...and Ananias and Sapphira deciding they wanted the same good opinion Barnabas got, only they didn't want to give it all up.  Just look like they did.  (Acts 5).  And...let's just say it kinda backfired.  Because God knows our true motives.  Even if we lie to ourselves and pretend really well that our motives are altruistic.  God knows the truth.

Like I said, I could do a whole post on that but I gotta keep going.

The next verse is from a passage describing Israel's rejoicing when God's deliverance comes

And you will sing as on the night you celebrate a holy festival; your hearts will rejoice as when people go up with flutes to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel. -- Is. 30:29; 'Hearts' is the second most common Hebrew word translated 'Heart',  Strong's H 2834, Lebab -- inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding.

There is something so...joyful...about a rejoicing heart.  This verse reminds me of a couple of dreams I had years ago.  One was just a simple outing...as I recall, our church choir was on a picnic in the fall.  We were making piles of leaves and jumping in them like we were little kids, having an absolute ball.  That's what stood out to me when I woke up; that child like sense of just pure fun.  The other, which I don't remember happening particularly close to the first one, also involved some of the choir, only we were taking a perilous journey; the feeling I had was that we were fleeing government agents who were  rounding up believers.  We clambered through mountainous terrain, over old ruins, along chasms, and finally arrived at a massive amphitheater that was in the top of a mountain...like an extinct volcano crater.  I'm not sure why that was safe, but it clearly was as thousands of other believers were pouring into the amphitheater from all directions, worshiping as we gathered.  Again, I woke up with a sense of joy and wonder and, yes, a glad heart.

Those were good dreams, lol.

Here's another verse about God's deliverance; encouraging those who are giving up:

Strengthen the feeble hands, steady the knees that give way; say to those with fearful hearts, "Be strong and do not fear; your God will come with vengeance; with divine retribution, he will come to save you."  Is. 35:3-4; 'hearts' is H 3820 again.

I had never considered those two verses together; I'd always just focused on verse 3, about strengthening arms and knees.  But verse 4 explains WHY the arms and knees are weak; the hearts are fearful.  But if one really knows that rescue is coming, soon...that's hope that brings strength.

Isaiah 40 is the basis for some of the most recognizable bits of Handel's Messiah, and our next verse shows up there as well...at least, the King James version of it,

He tends his flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those who have young. -- Is. 40:11; 'Heart' is a word we have only seen once so far, Strong's H 2436, heq -- bosom, hollow bottom, midst.  KJV renders this 'carries them in his bosom', which, technically, is 'close to his heart', which is the phrasing that makes the most sense to our modern ears.

Messiah as shepherd is an imagery that Jesus himself used (John 10)  -- the Good Shepherd who truly cared for his sheep...and the sheep knew his voice and followed him.  Of course he would carry the lamb near his heart.

Getting the previous verse here, for context...

Who handed Jacob over to become loot, and Israel to plunderers?  Was it not the LORD, against whom we have sinned?  For they would not follow his ways; they did not obey his law.  So he poured out on them his burning anger, the violence of war.  It enveloped them in flames, yet they did not understand; it consumed them, but they did not take it to heart. -- Is. 42:24-25; 'Heart' is 3820 again.

Punishment, judgement,  consequences...all descended upon the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, because of their idolatry, but they put it down to anything BUT God.  They did not do any kind of self - appraisal, because that would have led them to repentance.  It is dangerously easy to convince ourselves that events are caused by circumstances outside our control...when, in fact, they are simply consequences of our own behavior.  Cain, for instance, had his error laid plainly before him by God.  Yet...he didn't take it to heart, and killed Abel instead.  It really is inescapable...what we sow, we will reap.  Unless there is genuine repentance.  Which means taking God's word to heart.

One more.

This one is in a passage discussing the uselessness of idols

He feeds on ashes, a deluded heart misleads him; he cannot save himself, or say, "Is not this thing in my right hand a lie? -- Is. 44:20; 'heart' is H 3820 again.

'His deluded heart misleads him....'  Is there a better description of the larger part of our western society today?  Walking around with a deluded, deceived heart...to the point that lies are not even detectable any more.  That is a sad state of affairs.  

And all that's necessary is...to take the warnings to heart.  Serve God whole-heartedly.

It starts with paying attention to Him.