There is a difference between reading the Bible in devotion mode and reading the Bible in study mode. Sometimes, the two overlap; other times they should be kept a good distance from one another.
This morning I wish my knowledge of Hebrew and Greek were sufficient to allow me to study the roots of words translated in my English language Bible.
In Exodus 7 (today's reading from the Old Testament,) Moses is trying to convince Pharaoh to let God's people go. But Pharaoh will not. The writer tells us that "Pharaoh's heart was hardened." This hardening of his heart prevented him from hearing God's plea.
In Mark 10 (today's Gospel text) Jesus says that is it because of "your hardness of heart" that the commandment regarding divorce was given.
"Hardness of heart." What does this mean? What are the origins of these words?
I think I know that to which the reference is being made. It seems apparent that some act with a hardness of heart while others allow themselves to become attached and connected. The latter are those who feel the pain of others; they are the persons who weep, as Jesus wept when he saw Jerusalem. Slow to condemn; ever ready to offer themselves for the sake of others.
In our confessions we ask God to forgive us of various sins and transgressions. How many of those would have been avoided in the first place had our hearts not been hardened?
Perhaps the day will allow me the opportunity to look up these words in the original languages. I would love to know what they meant to Moses and to Jesus. This can be my study topic for the day. During this hour, my time for devotion - I will pray for God's help in softening my heart. I will ask God to aid me in remaining tender. Both tasks are part of the life of a follower of Jesus. Both will strengthen my Lenten journey.
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