Monday 18 May 2026

Psalm 49:1-12

Background
I’m old enough to remember the first ever heart transplant, which was carried out in South Africa in 1967. It was a major achievement, but in those early days life expectancy was low. Things are much different now, with many patients surviving over 30 years. A common feature for all heart transplant patients is the new life it gives them.

Ezekiel could only have a vision of a heart transplant, but he still writes of the opportunity for change and the new life it would offer. In many ways this passage echoes the theme of Jeremiah 31:31-33 which speaks of law being written on the heart and is one of the readings often used at the Methodist Covenant Service. Both writers have the same image, but Jeremiah is writing before the removal of the Jewish people from Jerusalem and Ezekiel is writing to those exiles years later.

The context of this passage is Ezekiel's vision of the Temple in Jerusalem and in verse 17 he speaks of the restoration of the people to Jerusalem. It is a return to the Temple from which they have been excluded and have been unable to offer sacrifices. This would have been the return that the exiles would have been hoping for. God, who is speaking through Ezekiel, makes it clear it is not just a return to the familiar but also will require a change in people's attitudes. The changes will not just be about rituals, but their 'hearts of stone' must become new and vibrant, ‘hearts of flesh’ (verse 19).

The image of a softened heart or heart of flesh as opposed to a heart of stone or a hardened heart is widely found in Scripture from Exodus to Hebrews. The two images are used to describe stubbornness or disobedience on the one part, and openness to God’s leading on the other.

In the week preparing for Pentecost, it is right that the hope of something new and different should be at the forefront of our minds. The expectation of a change that will be fulfilled in the coming of the Holy Spirit is all part of this week's reflections. It begs the question from the hearers: what is being done to open their hearts and allow them to be 'soft hearts'?

To Ponder:

• What do you think is the key to maintaining a 'soft heart'?
• What does 'one heart' mean for community life?

Prayer
Gracious God, open our hearts to your word and may they be softened, changed and filled with your love. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Paul Davis
Paul is a supernumerary presbyter in the North West of England.