Believers Who Had A Burning Heart for God

Believers Who Had A Burning Heart for God

Luke 24:32a,And they said one to another, Did not our heart burn within us, while he talked with us by the way…

After Jesus left Cleopas and his wife, they began to share their thoughts about their time with the risen Saviour. The time they spent with Christ stirred a flame in their souls. They said their hearts "burned" within them.

Time spent with Christ changed them. By the way, it will change you, too. Spending time with the LORD will ignite passion in your heart. The question is this, "Do you really want to get to know Him and deepen your walk with God?"

The consuming fire of God that burned in their hearts, fanned by the breath-winds of the Holy Spirit, spread into the hearts of other believers that were challenged and inspired by their dedicated lives. When we look through history, we can read about the lives of great Christians who had burning hearts for God.

Ignatius, who was the bishop at the church of Antioch for nearly 40 years in the first century. Antioch was the place where believers were first called Christians. His heart was on fire for the Lord and devoted to Him. Because of his faithfulness to Jesus Christ, he was condemned and thrown to the lions in the Roman Colosseum because he refused to sacrifice to pagan practices. He told the authorities in response to their command, "I would rather die for Christ than rule the whole earth." Why would he say that? He had a burning heart for God.

Polycarp was the bishop at Smyrna. He was a good friend of Ignatius and the Apostle John. In 155 A.D., during the reign of Marcus Aurelius, persecution broke out against Christians and Polycarp was arrested. He was told to recant his faith in Christ or be burned alive at the stake. His response was, "86 years have I served Him, and He hath done me no wrong. How can I speak evil of my King who saved me?" Why would he be willing to face the fire? He had a burning heart for God. These two men were pastors, yet, you don't have to be a preacher to be on fire for God. I want to make that very clear. In fact, not all preachers have a burning heart for the Lord. That's sad, but it is true. To some men, the ministry, preaching, and serving God has become a drudgery. They are discouraged, depressed, disillusioned, defeated, and filled with doubt. The fire has been quenched within them. They need prayer and encouragement.

When the fire of God burns in the heart and soul of a Christian, then the priorities of the person are dramatically changed from insignificant matters to important ones. God is given His rightful place of being number one in that person's life. When the fire of God blazes in the heart of a Christian, there is no telling what God will do with him or her. That which may seem impossible can become possible when God's fire burns in their heart and they are totally surrendered to Him. Never underestimate what God can do through you if you yield the control of your life to Him and let His Spirit fill you.

Prayer: Father my heart has been challenged. As one needs to continue to add wood to a fire to keep the flames burning, I know I need to spend time with You in prayer and the Scriptures. Help me to be more passionate about my service to You. In Jesus name, Amen.

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