A New Heart

Let’s take a moment to talk about the heart – the fist-sized organ that pumps blood throughout the body, supplying it with oxygen and nutrients. The heart can be imperfect (mine certainly is), but it still must function at some capacity to maintain life.

The heart is by far the most frequently mentioned organ in the Bible, upwards of over 950 times depending on the translation. The Lord describes the heart as “more deceitful than all else and desperately sick; Who can understand it?” (Jer.17:9) Nobody except its Maker!

The heart is not just a physical component; it also serves as a metaphor for the center of human thought, will, emotions, and moral choices. “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matt. 6:21).

Furthermore, faith, devotion, courage, and understanding reside within the heart. Strength, trust, and insight also rent a room. The metaphorical heart is what the Lord looks at. He sees the heart while man looks at the physical appearance (I Sam 16:7b). He also searches our heart (I Chron. 28:9, Jer. 17:10). Does that make you squirm a little? He knows the secrets lurking within its chambers (Ps. 44:21). Now you should be. The transparent lens of our heart reveals the raw essence of who we are.

I Kings 3:9 says that the heart gives us the ability to judge and to discern between good and evil. It provides a place for harboring thoughts and intentions (I Kings 15:3).

Psalm 51:17 teaches that hearts can be broken in spirit. They can be diseased or hardened. Remember Pharaoh’s hardened heart against Moses and the release of the Israelites?

Getting Real

A sweet friend of mine has a teenage grandson who was diagnosed with a diseased heart. Actually, he was born with a defective heart. He was living life, then everything came crashing in. He eventually had to be placed on the heart transplant list. After some touch-and-go situations, a period of hard waiting, and many, many prayers, a donor heart became available. Hope was reborn.

A thorough assessment was done on both the donor heart and its intended recipient. Approval was given, and preparations began. Medications and fluids were administered. Catheters were put in place. An incision was made down the center of the chest through the breastbone, giving access to the heart. The heart-lung machine was connected and took over the usual functions.

The beating heart stilled. Life and death hung in the balance.  

The diseased heart was removed. However, the left atrium was kept intact to enable connection with the donor heart. The new heart was sewn into the emptied space, and connections were made. Blood flow was restored, and the heart restarted its rhythmic beating.

Following the transplant, organ rejection or faulty blood circulation is closely monitored. Heart biopsies, immunosuppressive drugs, cardiac rehabilitation, and regular doctor check-ups encompass the ongoing recovery.

A Spiritual Parallel

As I thought about this young man’s heart transplant, I realized that the converted believer’s experience undergoes the same processes. We are thoroughly examined and found to be in need of a new heart. To receive this new heart, we must prepare through confession of sin: “Cast away from you all your transgressions which you have committed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit!” (Ezk.18:31). The tools we need are given to us: namely, a Bible. Other resources are supplemental. We are infused with the Living Word, offering life-giving sustenance and satisfaction for our thirst. We may find that our thirst significantly increases and can only be quenched from the well of Living Water.

The spiritual incision is made, cutting through the flesh to the heart. The exposed diseased heart is removed, and a new heart is immediately put in its place. Life is restored. Monitoring is strongly advised in addition to cardiac rehabilitation to strengthen and exercise the new muscle. Check-ups through church fellowship, small group studies, and/or Sunday School gatherings are recommended for spiritual health and growth. Pastors, teachers, elders, and mentors serve as spiritual doctors.  

The Cost

So here’s the thing: in order to be able to receive a new heart, a sacrifice has to be made. The donor heart for my friend’s grandson came through the death of an unknown individual who willingly gave his heart, making his wishes known before he passed.

In the case of a spiritual heart transplant, the sacrifice was made through Jesus Christ. His purpose in coming to earth from His heavenly home was to be the ultimate sacrifice on the cross for you and for me. He paid the price for our sins. For all eternity.

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27a).