The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance – 2 Peter 3:9

When Paul disclosed his “heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites” (Rm. 10:1), he was expressing the desire of God for His people that they may see their long expected Messiah in Jesus Christ. For their sake, Paul wished that he “were cursed and cut off from Christ” (Rm. 9:3). The heart of God for mankind is that no one will perish, but that everyone would “come to repentance” in Christ Jesus (2 Pt. 3:9).

Since the fall of man in the Garden of Eden, God has desired that humans will be reconciled to Him. He revealed this desire, which is rooted in His mercy and love, in many settings of grace throughout the Bible. Their culmination is the appearing of Christ Jesus, His Son, who has become to us, “the grace of God that brings salvation” (Titus 2:11), and “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (Jn. 1:29). He was lifted on the Cross on Calvary for this reason, and heaven shouted “Amen” at His resurrection. After appearing to His disciples over a period of forty days, with many convincing proofs that He was alive (Acts 1:3), Jesus ascended to heaven (9) and sat at the right hand of God (Eph. 1:20-21). He will come to take His bride, the Church, to be with Him forever (1 Thess. 4:16-17).

This is the Good News Christ has committed to us to preach everywhere (Acts 1:8). It is a message of hope for the dying, and encouragement to the faithful. Our responsibility is to proclaim it and give room for the Holy Spirit to claim the souls of the willing. However, we cannot fulfill this commission if our hearts are not set on God’s desire for the sinner (2 Pt. 3:9). Our heart’s desire must be for the sinner to come to Jesus.

Desire expresses the inner cravings of the heart. It reveals our perspectives and personalities, and discloses our Lord and our life’s priorities. If indeed Jesus is our Lord, our hearts must be like His heart for the sinner – the desire that overcame Gethsemane and sent Him to the cross.

It may be scary at times. It may sometimes be intimidating, and even deadly. We may not know what to say or we may think we are not bible literate enough to talk to somebody about Jesus. Other times, our tongues may hang when we initiate a conversation. Yet, Jesus calls us to be His witnesses to a dying world, with His message of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19).

That’s why Christ has appointed you as His ambassador, wherever you are. The Holy Spirit has imbued you with power and the authority of heaven to declare freedom to those He prompts you to talk to. It starts with a burning desire for the souls of the lost – the desire of God for the world He loves. Your Enabler, the Holy Spirit, is ready by your side, and He will do the rest.

So, experience the relief and joy He gives to the faithful in this commission by witnessing to someone today.