In trying to stir believers to share their faith with the Jewish people, I have received several reasons why one cannot evangelize. One of the most honest responses has been, “I don’t have the passion (or gift) to preach.” I believe that is the parent cause of other common excuses.
Yes, people talk about their busy schedules. But you know, the same people spend quality time on the internet and social media apps daily. The problem is not their busyness. In most cases, they are not just passionate enough about spreading the Gospel.
Some believers who used to be fervent about reaching the lost in Israel when they were young seem to have retired from the Lord’s service now. Paul warned Timothy about this kind of attitude.
Preach the Word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. (II Timothy 4:2, NKJV)
The statement, “in and out of season” suggests that there will be times when preaching the Gospel will be uncomfortable. Even in those moments, God expects us to be fervent and committed to His cause.
To cultivate and maintain a burning passion for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, here are five steps you can take.
1. Ensure You’re Growing in the Faith
We often underestimate the importance of growing in the faith. Spiritual growth helps us to know the Lord, and in knowing Him, we come into alignment with His will and passion. Like us, God shares His burdens with His close friends. In Genesis 18:17, the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?”
If you commit yourself consistently to true spiritual growth, it will not be long before your interests start to change. You may be asking, “And what is true spiritual growth?” First off, let me tell you what true spiritual growth is not. It is not the length of time you spend in the church or holding a ministerial position. Look at this perfect example of true spiritual growth in the book of Acts.
And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42)
True spiritual growth is knowing the Lord from His Word, through prayer, and by fellowshipping with other believers. Apart from your personal commitment to know God by studying His Word and praying egularly, you should be committed to a gathering of believers.
2. Meditate on God’s Love for the Lost
There is a saying, “You cannot rise beyond your thoughts.” Although that’s a secular quote, it does have an application spiritually. Experientially, I have found out that meditating on God’s Word has a special way of inspiring godly actions. Why do you think Joshua instructed our fathers to meditate on the Word day and night? (Joshua 1:8). The answer is pretty straightforward. Meditation gets God’s Word into our hearts. Once it is there, doing the right thing, the thing God would have you to do, becomes easier. David said, “Your word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalms 119:11).
Similarly, if you meditate long enough on God’s love for the lost sheep of Israel, the same passion will in time rub off on you.
3. Watch Your Circle of Friends
We get 80 percent of our lifestyle, habits, and beliefs from those around us. In most cases, those are our family, friends, and coworkers. In I Corinthians 15:33, Paul warned that evil company corrupts good habits. We are all impressionable. As a believer who wants to be passionate about the unsaved, you must stay in the right circle of influence. Spend your time with people who are passionate about reaching the lost in Israel and in other parts of the world!
4. Pray About It
Prayer is another tool for developing a burning desire to reach the lost sheep of Israel. When we pray, the impossible becomes possible. Prayer changes us and situations. After doing all we’ve discussed, ask God to give you a heart that goes after the unsaved. The One who saved my soul and yours has promised to do whatever we ask in His name (John 14:14, I John 5:14). He is faithful to His word!
5. Join an Outreach Ministry
Finally, be part of an outreach ministry. Volunteering is one of the easiest ways to learn how to evangelize and reach the lost. I’ve come to know that the zeal to serve God is contagious. So, be humble and learn from those God has placed in your life to train you for the work of the ministry.
And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. (Ephesians 4:11-12)
Our ministry will be glad to receive you and help you become a passionate soul-winner.
Wrap Up
These five things are essential to developing and maintaining a burning desire for the lost sheep of Israel. Every major soul-winner today was once a young believer who gave himself or herself to spiritual growth, stayed around good influences, and submitted to proper training and discipleship. You have that same potential! Follow the steps and see what God can do with your willingness to serve Him!