Ernst-August Bremicker · Joshua’s plea – a challenge to us

In order to practise perseverance a ‘purpose of heart’ is needed. It is the purpose that Daniel had when he came to Babylon as a young man and did not want to get influenced by all the strange things he saw in that sinful city full of idolatry. A purpose (an intention) normally has to do with our head. But here, it is said to be a purpose of heart. To cleave to the Lord has indeed to do with our will, but so much more with our heart (the centre of our will). It is true that the heart is the centre of our decisions. Out of it are ‘the issues of life’ (Prov. 4:23). But it is more than that. Our heart also speaks of our affections. And that brings us back to the three expressions I used, namely dedication, devotion and commitment. It is with ‘head’ and with ‘heart’. Our understanding is never excluded but perseverance always includes our affections too.