Medical science will tell you that the first successful human cardiac transplant occurred in 1968. But the surgery performed by Dr. Norman Shumway, known as the “Father of Heart Transplantation,” was actually NOT the first successful heart transplant. Not even close.
Well, before we get too deep into issues of the heart, welcome to “Mornings with Bishop Robert” — I’m pleased you’ve decided to drop by this morning. Grab a coffee and a chair as we spend the next 7 minutes together. My goal is to introduce people to the Jesus they never knew, and help them get to know Him and His word personally – and better ! We’re obviously going to be speaking about hearts today, so if what I’ve got to say touches YOURS, I’d invite you to like, subscribe and share it with a friend!
To be fair, I’m not taking anything away from Dr. Shumway. The work he did at the Stanford University School of Medicine was nothing short of visionary. Since that day, more than 50,000 lives have been saved by transplanting a new donor heart. Every year thousands of people receive an incredible gift, one they carry wherever they go, every day. It’s the gift of life, beating in their chest; thanks to a generous donor who was determined that losing their life should make a difference by saving someone else’s, and a family who has stepped in to help make it happen.
But since we dealt with the “To the Rear — March” issue of repentance yesterday, I thought that it would be a good time to look at the original “Father of Heart Transplantation” and the ultimate donor.
Today’s verse says I WILL GIVE YOU A NEW HEART, AND I WILL PUT A NEW SPIRIT WITHIN YOU.
Before we repent, all of us have a heart that is desperately sick. That’s the bible’s term, a direct quote — “Desperately sick.” When I think about the word “desperate” in this context what comes to mind is a person who knows they need a transplant and is on the waiting list. The process of waiting for a donor heart to “become available” can be long and stressful, and guilt naturally comes into play. Everyone waiting for a heart knows that a donor has to die to make that possible. But feelings of desperation end up pushing all other feelings aside as their present heart gets worse and worse. Many people die before they receive a new heart. That’s desperation.
Thankfully, the original “Father of Heart Transplantation” has no such limitations. His procedure is perfect, and He’s never lost a patient that came to Him asking for a new heart.
And here’s the most amazing part – God has no waiting list for heart transplants. AND the generous donor who was determined that losing their life should make a difference has already given His life and made His heart available to you. The best news of all – it’s a PERFECT MATCH. And it’s waiting for you … now.
But like every person who needs a heart transplant, the clock is ticking. Folks on the waiting list have to react immediately when they get notified that a donor heart has become available. There’s no discussion about convenience. That call automatically makes everything and anything else that had been planned less important. Because their current heart has advanced, end-stage heart failure; in other words, it’s desperately sick. If it stops before the new one is installed, all hope is lost.
If your heart stops before you get a new one – all hope is lost for you, too.
Thankfully, you’ve gotten the call, the donor heart is ready and all God’s waiting on is you. Isn’t it time to let God remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart that works? Confirm your heart transplant appointment with the prayer, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
The Doctor and the Donor have done their part – now we’re just waiting on the patient.
HE WILL GIVE YOU A NEW HEART, AND PUT A NEW SPIRIT WITHIN YOU
