By Doug Redford
An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a lightweight, portable device. It delivers an electric shock through the chest to the heart when it detects an abnormal rhythm and changes the rhythm back to normal. AEDs help people who have sudden cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart suddenly stops beating regularly. This happens when the heart’s natural electrical system doesn’t work correctly. If not treated within minutes, cardiac arrest quickly leads to death. Though it is not a legal requirement, many churches nowadays have an AED available in their building, or more than one depending on the size of their meeting place.
Consider this time of Communion in our worship service as an opportunity given to revive our spiritual heart. The heart, as defined biblically, includes what A. Craig Troxel calls “the totality of our inner self.” He likens it to “the helm of the ship. It takes a bearing and then controls the course of your life.” That is why it is so important to heed the advice of Proverbs 4:23 and “guard” one’s heart.
Often, in our badly broken, sin-saturated culture, our spiritual heart takes not a bearing, but a beating. The times in which we live, and the constant turmoil of our broken, chaotic, sin-riddled culture can shake our confidence, similar to what happened to a man named Asaph, whose testimony is recorded in Psalm 73. There he records his frustration over seeing the seemingly carefree, happy lives of those who have no time for God, in contrast to the afflictions in his own life, a life that desired to remain pure before God (vv. 12-14). Asaph describes his heart as “grieved” over this conflict (v. 21)—until he “entered the sanctuary of God” (v. 17) in worship and he came to see the “big picture”: the “final destiny” that awaited the disobedient (vv. 17-20). Strengthened by that outlook (or “uplook”), Asaph then confessed, “God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever” (v. 26, New International Version).
Some foods in the supermarket are marked “heart healthy” for those who need to pay special attention to their dietary needs. Communion provides a “heart healthy” meal for the spiritual heart. As you take it today, imagine Jesus offering it to you with the words, “It looks like you’ve had a rough week. Here, take this—and don’t forget what I promised: ‘I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’”
Doug Redford has served in the preaching ministry, as an editor of adult Sunday school curriculum, and as a Bible college professor. Now retired, he continues to write and speak as opportunities arise.
0 Comments