Written To Endure!

Notes are scribbled on bits of paper that may later be thrown away. Love messages have been written in the sand, soon to be washed away by the incoming tide. (Hopefully that was not so with the love.) Choice statements have been chiseled in stone or engraved in metal. Perhaps our choice between pen and pencil relates to our confidence in what is being written down or how enduring we wish the writing to be. (I will write a love note to my wife in pen, but I only do crossword puzzles with a pencil and good eraser.)

In Jeremiah we read of a sad engraving among Judah.
"(1) The SIN OF JUDAH is WRITTEN WITH A PEN OF IRON; WITH A POINT OF DIAMOND it is ENGRAVED ON THE TABLET OF THEIR HEART, and on the horns of their altars," ( Jeremiah 17:1 ESV)

The "pen of iron" and "point of a diamond" were hard tools used for engraving on stone. In the hardness of their hearts, sin had been ENGRAVED DEEP WITHIN. Having turned their backs on the Will of God, the people of Judah offered their sacrifices wherever and for whatever they chose.

Though the signs of sin may be evident on the surface, the real concern ought to be with regard to how deeply such is ENGRAVED ON THE HEART. It is the heart condition and what is cherished there that is of utmost importance. Whatever is written there is what will most impact our daily life. Therefore, what is it that is being ENGRAVED ON OUR HEART?

Perhaps we think we could never be guilty of idolatry. However, any object or activity loved more than God is idolatry. God and His Will must always have first place in our life.

What habits or practices are becoming ENGRAVED ON OUR HEART? Is there developing a practice of language that is not glorifying to God? Are we developing habits that are unhealthy (physically or spiritually) or addictions that are impure? Such can be extremely difficult to break free from; some things best never to have started.

Solomon urged. . .
"(3) Let not STEADFAST LOVE and FAITHFULNESS forsake you; bind them around your neck; WRITE THEM ON THE TABLET OF YOUR HEART. (4) So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man." ( Proverbs 3:3-4 ESV)

"Steadfast love" for God and "faithfulness" to Him and His Will ought to be deeply ENGRAVED ON OUR HEART. As the Hebrew writer urged his readers to focus on the new covenant of Christ under which we are living, he referred back to when God stated a time would come when He would put His laws in their minds and WRITE THEM ON THEIR HEARTS so that He would truly remain their God and they His people. ( Hebrews 8:10; Heb 10:16) That is the message for us to TAKE TO HEART as well. The blessing that follows is that our sins will be remembered no more. ( Hebrews 10:17) All this quoted by the Hebrew writer was actually revealed by God through Jeremiah. ( Jeremiah 31:33-34)

May it truly be "steadfast love", "faithfulness", and God's Will that are ENGRAVED DEEP IN OUR HEART. He remaining our God and we His people will be a relationship that will endure for eternity.

Have a great day ALLOWING THE WRITING ON OUR HEART TO BE GOD'S!
Carl

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