2 Kings 10:15 And when he was departed there, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him… Those were the proud words of one, who little knew what was in his own heart. But they contain an inquiry, of no small importance to every fallen child of Adam. "Is thine heart right" — I. IN ITS VIEWS OF RELIGIOUS TRUTH? Has it formed a right judgment concerning thy natural condition, as a sinner against God; and respecting the way of bettering that condition? I am aware that many regard this as the proper business of the understanding, rather than of the heart. Hence they excuse their erroneous views in religion, by pleading want of ability to discover the truth. Hence the poor think it enough to say, "I am no scholar!" And persons, far Wiser than they in worldly wisdom, have pretended, "that a man is not responsible for what he believes, and that it is not his fault if he be mistaken." On the one hand we are informed, that "with the heart man believeth unto righteousness." II. IN ITS DEPENDANCE? On what is it actually resting, as the ground of its hopes for eternity? "Other foundation can no man lay, than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ." III. IN ITS CHOICE? In what does it delight? what does it esteem to be the chief good? IV. IN ITS INTENTIONS AND PURPOSES? Having discovered the truth — rested on Christ — chosen the Lord for your welcome portion — what is now your object in life? V. IN ITS ACTUAL INFLUENCE ON THY CONDUCT? Many, alas, woefully deceive themselves, by forming excellent resolutions — never to be put in practice. In such a ease, let self-flattery pretend what it may, the heart must be wrong. Remember, in conclusion, that if the heart be not right, nothing else is right. Even the better parts of your conduct, for want of this, will still be offensive in the sight of that God, who "seeth not as man seeth." If you be conscious that your heart is not right, then remember that "God is greater than your heart, and knoweth all things." It may be safe from human scrutiny — but not from his eye. If you would have your heart set right, bring it to God in faith and prayer. He will give you a "new" one — a "clean" one — a "perfect" one. (J. Jowett, M. A.) Parallel Verses KJV: And when he was departed thence, he lighted on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him: and he saluted him, and said to him, Is thine heart right, as my heart is with thy heart? And Jehonadab answered, It is. If it be, give me thine hand. And he gave him his hand; and he took him up to him into the chariot. |
    |