My heart's desire
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge” (NKJV) Romans 10:1-2
Have you noticed the strong urge of men to propagate the gospel in recent times? Often in public transport, commercial vehicles, along the streets, on radio, television and in the print media, efforts are being made by religious men to preach about Christ. Other people also love to invest their resources; energy, money and time into ministry. These are all great but the question that sometimes comes to mind is whether their zeal is driven by a true knowledge of God and His Word?
Beloved, we are encouraged to study the Word diligently so that we can correctly preach/teach the truth (2 Timothy 2:15). That also gives us the responsibility to openly reach out to such zealous people and explain the good news to them in a peacefully manner, with care and compassion motivated by Godly love. In our prayers too, we are to remember such people so that God opens their minds and hearts well to know Him.
In summary, our heart desire should be like that of Paul and the faithful early Christians. We should not sit back and anticipate all men truly understand God and His church/Kingdom, rather reach out to them and unveil the manifold wisdom of God without favor or fear (Ephesians 3:10).
May God help and grant us the heart to reach the “zealous without knowledge” (Romans 10:2). Amen