A Heart That Yearns for Souls

From the Pastor: Dr. M. J. Seymour, Sr.

It is written: “ But when he (Jesus) saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad as sheep having no shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36)
It is a rare thing indeed to find anyone who is moved by that holy grace of compassion for lost souls. History speaks of few men and women who in days gone by were moved with such a divine passion for the salvation of souls. Multitudes have come and gone throughout the fifty generations since the Redeemer of souls walked upon the face of the earth, but the numbers of those who have felt heaven’s heart beating within their bosom have been relatively few and far between. Lamentably, the numbers are dwindling at an alarming rate. Few are moved at the preaching of the glorious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, and even fewer are moved with heaven’s compassion for the lost. Lust for material security has replaced sweet rest in the security of the Father’s hand. Rare indeed it is to find one moved by holy grace and divine passion for the lost sheep with little to no thought of the personal cost. It is a heart that yearns for souls by His grace.
The psalmist David wrote: “I looked on my right hand, and beheld, but there was no man that would know me: refuge failed me; no man cared for my soul.” (Ps. 142:4) Wrongful understanding of the Doctrines of Grace leads to Pharisee-ism. Rightful understanding humbles the heart and stirs divine passions with a relentless craving to speak of God’s grace to the lost. It does not self indulge in the selection of the elect; rather it is moved by a heaven wrought yearning for all whom the eyes behold. Heaven’s compassion is not reasonable by human standards; it is merciful by heaven’s decree. It is a sad journey indeed that does not experience God’s saving grace in others.
It is written: “He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed...” (Ps. 126:6) What do you suppose causes one to be moved and go forth into the fields? What moves one to that passionate desire to seek the salvation of the lost? When looking upon the masses, what causes the heart to flood with holy tears? What causes one to say, “Here am I, Father, send me”? It is that special holy work of grace upon the heart! It is the divine gift of seeing what Jesus saw and feeling the heartbeat of His compassion. It is the gift of heaven’s LOVE.