Apr 08 – The desire of the Lord !

“I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49)

Our loving Lord fulfills our desires, whether small or great, with grace and compassion. But have we ever stopped to ask, as to what He desires?  Just as parents joyfully give their children what they ask for, yet often the children fail to find out the desires and longing of their parents.

We should know clearly the desires of our Lord; and the things He hates.  What are the desires of our Lord?

1. Obedience over sacrifice: The Lord sent a message to Saul to fight against Abimelech and destroy everything he had. But Saul disobeyed God when he spared the Amalekite king and the best of their livestock under the pretense of offering sacrifices. But God was grieved by the disobedience of Saul. The Lord’s response was clear: “Does the Lord take pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? Look, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22). True worship begins with obedience.
2. A broken and contrite heart: The psalmist understood that God desires a broken and contrite heart, more than external offerings: “You do not desire sacrifice, or I would give it; You are not pleased with burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, You will not despise.” (Psalm 51:16–17). A heart humbled before God is far more valuable than ritual sacrifices.
3. The salvation of all people: The Lord longs for all to be saved: “He desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4). It is our responsibility to share the gospel and pray for those who do not yet know Him.
4. A holy and burning faith: Jesus declared, “I came to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled!” (Luke 12:49). He wants His children to live as flames of fire—holy, untouchable by sin, and victorious over temptation. Are we burning with His passion and purity?
5. Eternal fellowship with Him: Christ’s heart longs for His people to be with Him: “Father, I desire that those You have given Me be with Me where I am.” (John 17:24). His ultimate will is for us to dwell with Him in eternal glory. He has gone to prepare a place for us and promises, “I will come again and take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:2–3). What a wonderful desire, that King of heaven longs to be with us forever!

Verse for further meditation: “To the one who overcomes, I will grant the right to sit with Me on My throne, just as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21)