“For those who find me find life and receive favor from the Lord” – Proverbs 8:35 (NIV).
Whereas infections like malaria and HIV are some of the leading causes of death in poorer African nations, elsewhere in the industrialized nations, like US, heart disease is the leading cause of death. From medicine we find a host of heart disease causes that can range from: a sedentary life style, obesity, drug abuse, alcoholism, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, to birth defects.
Once a heart stops the risk of fatalities are extremely high and hence health experts are always looking for ways to extend the life of a heart. Through medicine we find various remedies for heart treatment ranging from medications, surgery, inserting pace makers to help revive weakened hearts and even heart transplants.
However, in all, there is a place where conventional medicine cannot go: and that is where a heart suffers a disease, which can lead to eternal death- the disease of sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Upon creation God provided a code of behavior for us, which once we fault, we have sinned, which happens to everybody- “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Human intervention can only temporarily extend life by adding some measure of power to a heart and its ability to supply blood to the rest of the body. However, it is a fact of life, that even with the best of medical care, every heart that beats, will one day stop. It is here that it becomes more important to look for a cure of all heart diseases. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).
Today, while any of us may seek and take to a good doctor’s advice how to extend the life of our hearts: exercise regularly, watch our diet, go for regular check ups, perhaps even have surgery; yet, if we want out heartbeat to roar deep into eternity, it is only by accepting Jesus Christ as our Lord and personal savior, where we can have that assurance. “And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son” (1 John 5:11).
Prayer for today: Lord Father God of Abraham, maker of heaven and earth, today I open up my heart to receive you as Lord and Savior, and gladly receive the gift of eternal life you have promised to all who believe, this I pray in Jesus’s name.
