In earlier issues we have studied various parts of our bodies and how God has made all of them work together in such special ways. The liver is one of the most important parts of the body. It is certainly the most complex organ of all and is the largest internal organ. Since we cannot live without it, isn’t it strange that we rarely think about it unless some trouble develops?
The liver is the body’s master laboratory. It filters out impurities and waste material from the blood, manufactures organic compounds, and stores and releases nutrients required by the blood. Its work is carried on by millions of cells and enzymes, each a marvel in itself. It supplies the all-important amino acids which, among other things, control the balance of salt and water needed for the bloodstream.
A main job of the liver is to regulate the blood so it will be neither too thin nor too thick. Research scientists continue to study this amazing process. But we know that it is one of the wise provisions of the Lord God, the Creator, who has made every part of the body work together with every other part.
When we cut our skin, blood immediately appears. This flow of blood not only helps clean any dirt and harmful bacteria from the wound, but it soon thickens and forms a clot which becomes a protective scab, permitting the injured part to heal underneath. The liver is responsible for supplying the chemicals in the blood to make this happen. Yet, it is the same liver that keeps the blood from clotting inside the veins and blood vessels where clotting would be very dangerous and perhaps fatal.
When food reaches the stomach, the liver receives a signal and stands by to add vitamins, chemicals and minerals to the bloodstream. It sends its own signal to the gallbladder, instructing it to release bile to aid in the final digestion of this food. For fatty foods the gallbladder automatically sends an extra supply of bile, since fat is harder to digest.
The liver performs without any instructions that we have to control, which is good, because it senses needs that we are not even aware of. These instructions were implanted when God created man, and our livers have followed them faithfully ever since.
How good it would be if man would hear and follow God’s instructions just as faithfully. “He that hath My commandments [teachings], and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him” (John 14:2121He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (John 14:21)).
Next week we will consider more of the remarkable functions of the liver - this important part of the body.
OCTOBER 13, 1996
ML-10/13/1996