2/17/24 Lit Word "Hard or Soft Heart 💗"

Date: 2/17/24
Today's Reading:
OT: Leviticus 4:1 - 5:19
NT: Mark 2:13 - 3:6
Psalms: 36:1-12
Proverbs: 10:1-2

Neal’s Lit Word

Title: Hard or Soft Heart 💗

Scripture: Mark 3:5

And after looking around at them [pharisees] with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

Observation: What is God saying to me?

Jesus was angry and grieved at the religious peoples “hardness of heart.” These religious people were practicing religion but not practicing the ways of Jesus. The hot subject the religious folks were just critically observing about Jesus were based around the subjects of fasting and sabbath. The religious were criticizing Jesus’ intentions by questioning and critiquing His actions. They felt He was breaking the religious code of conduct when it came to things they held dear, fasting and sabbath. Jesus points out the importance of the heart delighting in the Lord and teaches that the practices of fasting and prayer were designed to bring men near to the heart and love of God. They were not simply meant to be rules that are kept outwardly. Jesus was angry and grieved because the religious folks petrified hearts could not embrace God’s love. They were practicing religion and completely missing the love of God.

Application: What will I do about it?

Inwardly, we must pay close attention to the condition of our hearts. If we are not filled with compassion for all people, not moved and motivated by the love of Jesus in all respects, then we are missing the heart of God and our fasting and sabbath are rendered useless. People have the poor tendency of Judging the outward appearance, but God looks at the appearance of our hearts which is always His concern when it comes to who is and who is not following His ways.

Prayer:

Holy God, allow my heart to connect intimately and deeply with You. Plant Your heart in my heart. Plant your desire in me and cause my heart to align with Yours so my ways will align with Your ways. Holy Spirit guide me. Amen

I Am Grateful For… the heart of Jesus toward me

Tracker Questions

Is the condition of your heart currently hard and hardening or soft and softening?

What do you need to do to allow your heart to draw more near to Jesus today?