Hearts Revealed
We began looking yesterday at Simeon, the old man in the temple at Jerusalem who recognized the baby Jesus as God’s promised Messiah. As he took the child in his arms, Simeon began to sing. His words echoing off the hallowed walls of the temple -
Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all the nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people. Israel. (Luke 2:29-32)
Luke tells us that Mary and Joseph marveled at what Simeon said about their son. But as his song came to an end, Simeon gazed deeply into the eyes of Mary and said -
This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too. (Luke 2:34-35)
So he was, and so he is: Jesus, the one who reveals the thoughts of our hearts.
As we read the gospels, we see this revelation of hearts made manifest. The self-seeking and self-righteous are exposed. The humble and hungry are filled. It’s no different today, and I want to share a thought with you that we may not want to hear, but one I believe we desperately need to.
The gospel story is, in part, about how God’s own people rejected their promised Messiah or King. They rejected him because he was not the King they expected. He didn’t fit the mold prepared for him. In fact, he shattered that mold.
Sadly, I believe many church-going people in our day also have misplaced expectations and beliefs regarding who Jesus is and what His kingdom means for our lives and our world.
Like those first-century Jews, our vision is myopic. The Christ who the angel promised would be for all people is limited to a particular theology, political party, or economic philosophy. But the Jesus of Scripture calls us to see beyond these things, to realize just how temporal and passing they are. He reminds us that we fulfill Scripture when we love God with all our hearts and love others as ourselves.
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” is God’s promise through the prophet, Jeremiah. (29:13)
At the same time, God also tells us through Jeremiah that “the heart is deceitful above all things.” (17:9)
These two verses of Scripture, separated by a mere twelve chapters, don’t contradict each other. Not at all. Instead, they demonstrate the paradox of the human heart. The same heart that seeks and finds God can also lead us astray.
I have never ceased to be amazed at some of the comments received from church members after sermons I’ve preached throughout the years. I cannot tell you how often someone has “heard” the exact opposite of what I said from the pulpit. How does this happen? The answer is that, so often we hear what we want to hear. We project our own feelings, opinions, theologies, and worldview on what has been said. In other words, the thoughts of our hearts are revealed.
Let’s never forget that the call of Jesus, then and now, is “Repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” Repent or “change your way of thinking” is a lifelong calling and challenge for those seeking to be faithful disciples of Christ.
“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth (reality), and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31-32)
In Christ,
Dan
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