Perhaps you know first hand how serious the diagnosis of atherosclerosis really is. It means that the blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood to all parts of your body, including your heart, are becoming clogged. It’s actually life threatening if the proper medical advice is not heeded and treatment given. Perhaps that is similar to the problem that Jesus diagnosed when the Pharisees criticized Him for doing good on the Sabbath. Mark tells us that Jesus was deeply distressed because of their “stubborn hearts” – hearts that were not getting the much needed and renewing life that He came to give them. If only they would let go of their self-righteousness, humble themselves, and open their hearts to the Messiah, they, too, could be healed. Lord Jesus, “create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me. Amen.”
