DCLM Daily Manna 15 February 2022
TOPIC: Heart First
TEXT: Exodus 7:14-25
KEY VERSE:
“And the LORD said unto Moses, Pharaoh’s heart is hardened, he refuseth to let the people go.” – (Exodus 7:14)
DCLM Daily Manna 15 February 2022 OUTLINE
“The farthest place on earth”, so goes an adage, “is the heart of man”. If it were possible to dissect the heart so that everyone can see what is hidden therein, they will be shocked to see unimaginable things. The heart is the most vital part of the human body. As several commentators have noted, “When we go to heaven, we will go heart-first and not head-first”. This saying underscores the importance of the heart in our relationship with God.
Today’s passage illustrates that God knows all hearts. Before the Lord sent Moses to request that Pharaoh let Israel go, He knew the state of Pharaoh’s heart; that it was hardened. The first plague of turning the waters of Egypt into blood did not soften his heart; instead, he turned and went into his house and refused to let Israel go (Exodus 7:23).
These days, people seem to engage more in an outward show of religion, but their hearts are far from God than ever. A heart set on a multiplicity of pursuit and goals, drawn apart by diverse issues of earthly cares cannot find the peace to offer a consecrated and committed service to God. Neither will that heart be able to find the needed time for the old-time religion that leads to real salvation.
God desires that our hearts be filled with sacred affection and love. Our emotions, purposes, thoughts and minds should unite in surrendered devotion to God. He will reward those who sincerely seek Him with all their hearts. However, He is far from mere professors of religion who keep their hearts away from Him.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A hardened heart attracts affliction.
THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Joshua 15-18
