Former vice president Dick Cheney received a new heart recently. He underwent heart transplant surgery at a hospital in Virginia. Cheney has had a long history of heart problems, beginning in 1978 with his first heart attack at age 37 and followed by four others. In 2001, he had a pacemaker installed. In 2010, he had a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implanted to help his heart pump. Cheney had been on a heart transplant list for over 20 months. At last report, he seems to be doing well following the procedure although he has a long road to full recovery.
A bit of a flap has arisen in the media regarding this story. Some are questioning whether Cheney, at age 71, was too old to receive a new heart. “Talking heads” are wondering if he received preferential treatment. Questions are being raised. Should the heart have gone to someone younger? Was there someone with a greater need for a new heart? Would this have even been a story if it had involved someone else? Rather than simply rejoicing that an incredibly difficult surgery was successful and that someone with a long history of heart problems has been given a new lease on life, we have to try and find something negative. It’s this kind of thing that tempts me to avoid the news if possible.
I’m just thankful for a God who is willing to give a new heart to anyone of any age. Speaking to His wayward people in the days of Ezekiel, God reveals His desire to give each of them a new heart: "Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 36:26). God wants to remove our wicked heart and transplant a new one in its place, no matter how old we are. May our plea echo David’s plea: “Create in me a clean heart, O God...” (Psalm 51:10).
God loves you!
Mike
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