Jeremias 15

Jeremias 15:16

MacArthur - The “heart” commonly refers to the mind as the center of thinking and reason (Pr 3:3; 6:21; 7:3), but also includes the emotions (Pr 15:15, 30), the will (Pr 11:20; 14:14), and thus, the whole inner being (Pr 3:5). The heart is the depository of all wisdom and the source of whatever affects speech (Pr 4:24), sight (Pr 4:25), and conduct (Pr 4:26, 27). (MacArthur, J.: The MacArthur Study Bible) The Dictionary of Biblical Imagery writes that "In the Bible heart encompasses more than what we mean by mind (for which there is no word in biblical Hebrew). The heart is the center of the being, where the will, affections, thoughts, purposes and imagination reside. Human emotions are more frequently associated with the lower organs." Related Resources: New Testament word study on Heart = kardia Heart - International Standard Bible Encyclopedia - Good Summary Heart - Baker's Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology Heart - Holman Bible Dictionary Heart (includes OT allusions) - Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible Heart (primarily discusses "kardia") - Hastings' Dictionary of the New Testament For I have been called by Thy Name - What is Jeremiah saying? Is this not another way of saying "I am Yours Lord God of hosts"? Let us all seek diligently to echo Jeremiah and say "I have been called by Thy Name. I am Your bondservant. Use me for Your glory as You will dear Lord." Amen Remember that for is a term of explanation which should always prompt the question "What is the author explaining?" It is interesting that this same idiom (Thy Name is called on) is applied to the Temple - Jer 7:10, 11, 14, 30, 32:34, 34:15). Refers to the city (Jerusalem) in Jer 25:29. Jeremiah's words remind me of Jude's opening words "Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ." (Jude 1:1) Every born again believer has been called by Thy Name, for in Antioch "the disciples were first called Christians (= "adherent of Christ")!" (Acts 11:26, cp "Called by My Name" in Acts 15:17, cp Ex 23:21, 2Chr 7:14, Isa 43:7, Jer 14:9) O Lord God of Hosts - See study of Jehovah Sabaoth, LORD of hosts (of armies) As believers in Christ, we may have a similar experience hearing God speak to us in His Word. When we are first saved, the Scriptures, with their soul-stirring instruction and vital spiritual food, are deeply satisfying. As time goes on, however, we routinely read those same portions over and over in a manner that no longer speaks to us. Our spiritual senses grow dull and lethargic, and God's exhilarating Word becomes commonplace to us. But then, what joy we feel when a passage reveals an exciting truth, and once again we "hear" the Lord! Are you reading the Scriptures out of a tired sense of duty? Or do you still possess the fresh expectancy you had when you first believed? Today, when you read God's Word, listen closely for His voice. --R W De Haan I scanned the Scriptures thoughtlessly-- My haste had closed my ear; Then prayerfully I read once more-- This time my heart could hear. --Gustafson Without a heart for God, We cannot hear his word. C H