Jeanie Martin Ministries

DOES GOD HAVE A HEART?

If God has a heart, what exactly would you guess His heart would look like? First, let me say that I don’t feel at all adequate to describe God in the least or the greatest way. God is just too wonderful for anyone to circumscribe; (Ps. 139:6). However, one thing that we can be sure of is that God does have a heart. God Himself testified that David was a man after His heart; (Acts 13:22).

When I think of God’s heart, I think of a magnificent heart so filled with love that it has its own name, “Agape Love.” Agape love is an unconditional love that is rarely found in the human heart. It’s a sacrificial love, a love that finds purpose in dying for others. This love describes the condition of God’s exquisite heart.

When I think of God’s heart, I believe that His heart is the most methodical heart to ever exist. In the beginning, God spoke creation into existence. “Let there be,” He said, and it became what was. The complexities of His heart allowed Him to fashion unseen things that He calls forth. He designed an entire solar system, and He formed the first man. He surgically produced a woman from that mans’ rib. His creative powers are beyond all comprehension. The Bible tells us that God has manifold wisdoms; (Eph. 3:10). His thoughts are higher than man’s thoughts, and His ways are higher than man’s ways; (Isa. 55:9). However, mankind is always on His mind; (Ps. 8:4).

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever shall believe in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16.)

To love the world means that God loves everybody. He loved the world when the world didn’t love Him; (John 1:10-11). His only desire is for us to love Him too.

 

THE MASTERS’ DESIGN WITH YOU IN MIND

The Ark of the Covenant was located inside the Tabernacle in the Holies of Holy, the place where only the high priest was allowed to go in once a year; (Ex. 26:34). The ark of the covenant was a sacred portable chest that was covered in gold on the inside and out. The ark lid was also made of gold and formed a seat between two cherubim; it was called the mercy seat. The ark was designed by God as a representation of His presence with His people.

The ark of the covenant was also referred to as the ark of the testimony. Inside the ark of the testimony, Moses placed the tablets of the Law that God gave him on Mount Sinai. God wants to help us to understand what is required for sinful men to come into the presence of a Holy God.

 

Gold for Purity / Purple for Royalty

There are patterns of symbolism attached to the colors in the Bible. Among the Hebrews, purple was the YHWH, (YAHWEH) color, the symbol of the revealed God; (Ex. 24:10; Ezek. 1:26).  Purple is the color associated with royalty and majesty; the proper dress for kings; (Judges 8:26; Esther 8:15; Dan. 5:7, 16).

In designing the priestly garments, God chose colors that moved His heart. Gold and purple were used in the designs of the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Ephod Breast Plate. Several fixtures in the Tabernacle were designed with pure gold; (Ex. 35 – 39).

EPHOD BREAST PLATE (Picture Caption)

And thou shall set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones: The first rows of stones: shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbuncle: this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper, they shall be set in gold in their inclosings; (Ex. 28:17-20).

 

MOTION / MOVEMENT

It’s in Him that we live, and move and have our being; (Act 17:28a).

The movement of creation is the unfolding of God’s activity. Elohim, the Creator over all is in control of all things, in all three realms, whether living or inanimate objects . The power for every act and sensation, and thought comes from Him. Everything is subject to God’s command; (Ps. 24:1).

“God, under the point of view of His immanence as the element in which we live, and man in such intimate connection with God that he is constantly surrounded by the Godhead and embraced in its essential influence, but apart from God man could neither live, nor move, nor exist. We’re moving in the speed of God’s Spirit.” – Meyer’s NT Commentary

 

“God’s Magnificent Heart” – (the author’s perspective)

The caption photo is a gorgeous art piece that I call, “God’s Magnificent Heart“. I designed it, and Artist Gregory Broadnax brought it to fruition. Gregory is able to bring his client’s vision to life via picture or video. I conveyed my ideas to him of what I believe God’s heart exemplifies, and he translated my ideas into picture form. I am proud to say that this piece far exceeds my expectations. For me, it represents love, power, authority, and strength.

In my minds’ eye, God’s heart is larger than the entire solar system, and His love for His creation goes deeper than the deepest ocean. His heart is purer than the finest golds, and His presence exudes royalty. He’s seated in majesty and robed in the proper dress for a King. My idea of royalty and majesty in motion is conveyed through the majestic colors purple, gold, and the sparks of white surrounding the gold heart.  In spite of the truth that God rested after the sixth day of creation; (Gen. 2:2), He’s forever in motion as LORD overall.

 

HIS HEART OR HIS HAND?

What’s most important to you, God’s heart or His hand? Some of us are after God’s heart, while others desire to have what’s in His hand. Laying claim to the blessings are most important for many who follow Christ. The things that He can do for them outweighs having a personal relationship with Him.

David was after God’s heart in order to lead God’s people. He longed to please God and his desire was to comply with God’s will. David was also an anointed worship leader;  he spent countless hours wooing God through praise, worship, and prayer. Two-thirds of the Psalms were penned by David, he always sought God’s heart.

God exalted David when He confessed that David was a man after His heart. The Book of Psalms gives us a complete look into God’s heart. Which are you seeking, God’s heart or His hand?

 

MOTIVES OF THE HEART

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart, says the LORD; (Jere. 29:13).

Shall we not seek the one who loves us, the one who created us, the one who gives us life and offers us eternal life? Seek God through Jesus Christ, who is the only way to the Father. He is the only way by which we may enter and be saved; (John 10:9). Jesus is the only means we have of receiving eternal life; (John 3:16).

Having a personal relationship with God is the most important relationship that you will have. This relationship is what connects you to His heart and His hand. Seek God with your whole heart; He longs to be gracious to you; (Isa. 40:18). Draw nigh to God and He will draw nigh to you: (Jam. 4:8).

 

 

Blessing of my love to you!

 

 

 

 

 

Photo Credit: God’s Magnificent Heart, designed by Gregory Broadnax; Ephod Breastplate: Pinterest, Comodo Yahoo Image

Sources: Holy Bible; BibleHub.com; Nelson’s Bible Dictionary.