Sermon # 46 - What God Desires Series

We read in Jonah 4:8, “And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.” (KJV)

As we observe the works of God they astound us. God sent a vehement east wind, and the sole purpose of it was to see if Jonah would have a change of heart. Observe the various things God did in order to get Jonah’s attention, to help him get back on track. The storm in the sea, the big fish that swallowed Jonah, the huge gourd plant, the worm, and finally the vehement east wind. While it was God’s desire that the people of Nineveh should be saved, He was equally concerned that Jonah’s heart too should understand God’s ways, and turn towards Him.

This is also God’s will for each one of us, that we perceive His thoughts, and can comprehend His purposes for our lives. The changes in society have brought about many changes in our thoughts too, and sadly many have become strangers to the heart and will of God.

Here are some things we need to recognize about the heart of God.

1. God is compassionate

It was the compassionate heart of God that sent the Lord Jesus Christ into this world.

We read in Matthew 9:36-38, “When he saw the vast crowds of people, Jesus’ heart was deeply moved with compassion, because they seemed weary and helpless, like wandering sheep without a shepherd. He turned to his disciples and said, “The harvest is huge and ripe! But there are not enough harvesters to bring it all in. As you go, plead with the Owner of the Harvest to thrust out many more reapers to harvest his grain!” (TPT)

When Jesus preached there were thousands that thronged after Him, just to hear Him. Though most of Jesus’ teachings were done on the mountains, and in the wilderness outside the town, the crowds pursued Him since what Jesus taught them was something they did not receive at the temple. The teachings in the temple by the Pharisees were aimed at an exclusive group, and this was not available to the common people who were shunned away as sinners. John the Baptist who preceded Jesus had the tax collectors, soldiers and many other people come to him as He preached, because they were neglected elsewhere as being sinful people. The multitudes that came by foot to see Jesus, and hear Him preach were drawn to Him because of His compassion. Jesus’ teachings, deeds and miracles were all aimed at easing the burdens and pains of the people who came seeking for Him.

As Jesus beheld these huge crowds that came to Him, His heart was moved with compassion because He perceived that they were like sheep without a shepherd. No wonder then Jesus encouraged His disciples to pray much that God will send many more workers into the harvest field which was ripe and plentiful.

• Pray for more workers

Firstly, we too must pray that the Lord will raise many people who will proclaim to the world who the Lord Jesus is, and all that He is able to do for them. These are hard days when many servants of God have passed on, having completed the race that God had set for them. Anyways, if the work of the Lord must continue unhindered, we must pray more fervently. In the place of one servant of God who is no more, may we pray that the Lord will raise up hundreds to carry on His work. There is tremendous need, as we certainly require many who will go after those who are lost and share the love of Jesus with them.

• Support those who serve the Lord

Secondly, it is crucial that we stand with those who are serving the Lord, and support them in every possible way. If you observe the ministry of Jesus, He never asked for money for anything that He did, and instead He miraculously provided food for the people a couple of times when they were really hungry with the little that was available. We realize that Jesus and His disciples too had needs like food and shelter and in order for these to be met they too were in need of money.

This is how their needs were met as we read in Luke 8:2-3, “and so did some women who had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (who was called Magdalene), from whom seven demons had been driven out; Joanna, whose husband Chuza was an officer in Herod's court; and Susanna, and many other women who used their own resources to help Jesus and his disciples.” (GNB)