The Family Heart of God

Philosophy View of Heart

A hollow muscular organ that pumps blood through the circulatory system by rhythmic contraction and dilation. In vertebrates, there may be up to four chambers (as in humans), with two atria and two ventricles.

The central or innermost part of something.

Biblical View of Heart

The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it? I, the Lord, search the heart.

I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings.

Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV

Those who have raised children, caring for and nurturing them to the extent of their ability, need to know that God understands the heartache of having children who rebel. You may have one prodigal in the family, God has a world full of them; not only does God look down the road of time upon generations who have chosen to be his enemies, but he has also seen his children rebel. The word of God in Isaiah 1:2 said that the children he raised and cared for turned against him.

Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Isaiah 1:2 KJV

Is there anything as painful as a child who turns his or her back on the God you love served? How is it that some children don't even go to church anymore? A lady once said that her children were brought up in church; with tears in her eyes, she remarked that “You know they were raised in the church”; they were there every time the door opened and were even in the youth group. Now they have become involved in all kinds of things that are not pleasing in the sight of God.

How did such rebellion begin? It started with the loss of appreciation for all that God has done. Even the animals, the donkey, and the ox, know their owner and appreciate his care, but not my people, Israel.

The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass his master's crib: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider.

Isaiah 1:3 KJV

The donkey is known for its stubbornness, and the ox for its lack of intelligence. But even these creatures know and appreciate their owners. Yet the intimate knowledge about and respect for God but are not priorities for God's people. People with more respect for pets than their Creator will find themselves in deep spiritual decline. Somewhere along the way, those who stray have lost their appreciation for Christ’s sacrifice on their behalf. As much as it hurts to see children stray, it hurts God even more.

God fully understands the pain and sorrow, but he doesn't just emphasise, He wants us to know that he has made way for those children to return to him. He is actively involved in their lives to draw them back to himself, like the Israelites. He promised Israel that no matter how deep the stain of their sins was, he could remove it.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Isaiah 1:18 KJV

He worked in the lives of the children of Israel so that it will work in our children’s lives and families, trust him. There are several scriptures in the bible referring to the heart. God’s word is clear that the condition of our hearts is critical in our walk with the Lord. The family heart of God is waiting and willing to restore and renew your wayward child.

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