Does Your Heart Burn for the Lost?

Church, I urge you to pray for the lost and share your faith. This is what ignites the heart of God. Our faith is most alive when we share it. So, let's not delay, let's share it this week.

Two things are happening in this story at the same time—a warning and an invitation.

Let’s begin with the warning.

Jesus, I believe, is speaking directly to the Pharisees, the religious leaders who had lost the heart of God. These were the ones entrusted with the spiritual leadership of a nation, yet their hearts were not aligned with God’s. Instead of running toward what matters to God, they were moving away from it.

God’s heart is for the lost.

As God’s people, those who claim to follow Jesus, we have both a responsibility and a privilege to reflect His desires. We are called to be His hands and feet in the world.

So, here’s my question for you today—if you say you are a Christian, this is for you:

Does your heart burn for the lost?

You don’t have to raise your hand. Just answer it in your heart.

Do you long to see the people in your life come to know Jesus?

Are you living in a way that reflects this desire?

Right now, I’d like you to scan the QR code on the screen. It will take you to a short, completely anonymous survey. If you’re a follower of Jesus, please take two minutes to fill it out.

The survey includes three simple yes-or-no questions:

1. In the last 12 months, have you shared your faith with someone who is not a Christian?

2. In the last 12 months, have you prayed out loud with someone who is not a Christian, with them present?

3. In the last 12 months, have you invited or brought someone to a Sunday morning or house church gathering?

If you don’t have a phone, ask someone nearby if you can borrow theirs. This moment matters.

Does Your Heart Reflect God’s Heart?

This exercise isn’t about guilt. It’s about honest reflection.

If your heart doesn’t burn for the lost, come before God and ask Him to realign your desires with His.

Remember that old Sunday school song?

“This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…”

Are you letting your light shine? Or are you hiding it?

The Invitation

Now let’s shift from the warning to the invitation.

Jesus was also speaking to those around the table labeled as “sinners” and “tax collectors.” Of course, we’re all sinners. The only sinless person in this story is Jesus. But when we say “sinners” here, we’re talking about people who were labeled by society and rejected by the religious elite.

To the outcast, the marginalized, and the shamed, Jesus extends an invitation.

Even if others label you as “too immoral,” “unclean,” or “not worthy,” God says you are not too far from Him. He made you, He knows you, and He is willing to chase after you. If you recognize your need for Him and turn from sin, His forgiveness and grace will meet you with open arms.

And when that happens, all of heaven celebrates.

There is joy in heaven when the lost are found.

God sees every person as valuable. He wants to share His boundless love with you. That’s the message Jesus offers.

A Faith That Can’t Sit Still

George Whitefield, a preacher from the 1700s and founder of the evangelical movement, once said:

“A true faith in Jesus Christ will not suffer us to be idle. No, it is an active, lively, restless principle. It fills the heart so that it cannot be easy till it is doing something for Jesus Christ.”

So what are the next steps?

If you’re a follower of Jesus:

● Share your faith.

Look for opportunities this week. You don’t need to wait for a “sign.” God will provide the moment.

● Pray for the lost by name.

I’ve been burdened this week for a specific person, and I’m praying for him by name daily.

● Eat with them.

Jesus ate with sinners and tax collectors. When we sit across the table, we see one another as equals. Sharing a meal can break down walls and build bridges.

● Speak up.

Share your story. Tell them what Jesus has done in your life. Invite them to respond.

A Vision for 2033

Our book of the month is By Name by Brian Alarid. The General Superintendent writes the foreword of the Assemblies of God. The book outlines a vision for the year 2033, marking 2,000 years since the fulfillment of Pentecost. The goal is this: that by 2033, every person on earth would be prayed for by name.

It’s ambitious, but it’s possible—if the local church commits to it.

Final Challenge

I invite you to take part in this.

Pray for the lost.

Share your faith.

Live the kind of life that beats in rhythm with God’s heart.

Your faith will be most whole when you share it.

So share it this week.