My heart’s desire

Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. – Romans 10.1

At the core of the matter Paul was a Jew, a Hebrew of the Hebrews, a doctor of the law. He had been zealous for the Jewish leaders in trying to purge them of the followers of Jesus who were called The Way. His heart's desire had been to see all Chritians wiped out. He was good at his job. He was dedicated to a purpose. Everything he had was dedicated to that purpose. It was what drove him.

But things had changed since he had been saved. Now Paul had a new heart’s desire. His heart’s desire, the thing that compelled and drove him now was that the people of Israel would be saved. We can see that in everything he wrote. We can see that in his testimony. We can see that in his preaching. Paul was motivated by his heart’s desire.

My thoughts today are somewhat personal, but I think any Christian can apply my thoughts to their lives as well.

We have been in this wonderful and beautiful country for more than eighteen years. I hope that the heart’s desire we expressed when we were on deputation hasn’t changed because of the hardness of this land and the discouragement that comes with it. I hope I haven’t lost that heart’s desire because of the perceived slowness of the work that God has given us.

We are not a singing family. But on deputation we sang a little song. It has a wonderful message that ought to stir me to act on that heart’s desire.

Ireland needs a Saviour

This isle so green and so fair

Is burdened with sin and broken hearts

And few they are who care.

Souls are drifting downward

Precious souls for whom He died

So let’s carry the message to Irish hearts

Of Jesus the crucified

Our heart’s desire ought to be to see our people saved. How are we doing in acting on that desire?