Capturing God’s Heart
Second Samuel 18 is a sad chapter. King David’s traitorous son, Absalom, is killed and his coup overthrown. A “runner,” as they called them back then, needs to run with the bitter-sweet news to David: “The rebellion is over, but your son is dead.”
A fast, gifted runner named Ahimaaz wanted to carry the news, but David’s general chose an unnamed Cushite, and off he went. Ahimaaz, however, was not to be denied: “Please let me also run” (v. 22). The general finally said ok. ay, and Ahimaaz took off. He was so fast that he eventually passed the Cushite and proudly delivered the message to David that the coup was over. “Speed” had won…or had it?
When David then asked about his rebellious son Absalom, Ahimaaz answered with embarrassment that he didn’t know. He hadn’t cared enough to find out about David’s son! The Cushite then arrived and gave David the rest of the sad news: “Your son is dead.”
Ahimaaz didn’t have the complete message because his motive for running was not for the King; it was for himself. David had not only defeated an enemy, he had also lost a son whom he still loved. Ahimaaz eventually stepped aside in ignorance, insignificance, and embarrassment, as a nameless individual took center stage and delivered the complete message.
This is such a poignant warning for us, especially as we move into revival. Our message will always be deficient if it isn’t connected to the King’s heart. I’m speaking, of course, of God, our King. His passions, purposes, and heart of love must be the ultimate goal of our running.
In Philippians 3:14, Paul said, “I press toward the mark” (KJV). His goal, or “mark” as he called it, was clear. In verse 12 (NASB), he said, “I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus.”
The Gift Mentality
The charismatic/Jesus People movements were wonderful, but were unfortunately often tainted by a gift mentality. Leaders ran on the strength of their gifts. This often led to a performance mentality: running to set records, to be first, to be the best, to be the biggest. “Build ‘em big and build ‘em fast!” became the mindset of many in these movements. Overnight sensations were, and in some ways still are, the order of the day. There is nothing biblical about this mindset! Persistent, long-term building should receive more honor than something produced quickly. Sadly, it does not. Far more character is needed to build a work or ministry over a long period of time than to lead something that springs up quickly.
These past movements’ overall weaknesses in this regard led to many Christians believing that giftedness qualified one for ministry. Character and God’s heart were replaced by other priorities and motivations, which inevitably led many to build personal kingdoms. A cooperative heart was superseded by a competitive heart. Travailing, agonizing prayer was replaced with the strength of our gifts. Last, and probably most tragically, success was measured not by how well we knew the Father but by how well-known we were.
Speed, fueled by ignorance, raced forward out of control and with deficient messages. Ahimaaz passed the Cushite, and the King wept. We were in desperate need of an alignment; our fast-moving, state-of-the-art churches were pulling hard to the right and left. God has been correcting this.
One of the basic problems with this unbiblical philosophy of success, aside from its inherent pride and self-exaltation, is that if any part of our vision, which becomes the goal of running, is born of personal ambition rather than God’s heart, we are soon running for ourselves, not the King. Zeal that was originally intended to do something for God, can easily become a zeal to remain successful. This change can be so subtle that it often happens without our even realizing it. The church in America has many ambitious Ahimaazes - individuals running for their own success rather than to satisfy God’s heart.
A great vision must not be our starting place. Vision, born of God’s heart, must be our starting place. The questions we must continually ask ourselves are: How well do I understand and relate to the King’s heart in this matter? Is that and that alone my motive for running, for building? Was His heart the birthplace of my vision? Our speed or giftedness NEVER validates our running.
Holy Hubert
Hubert Lindsay, a gentleman greatly used by God in the early days of the charismatic movement, exemplifies a ministry born of God’s heart. Mr. Lindsay was part of “The Jesus People Movement.” This outpouring was used by God to bring thousands of drug-addicted, sexually perverted, disillusioned, and rebellious young people into the Kingdom of God. Hubert Lindsay eventually became known as “Holy Hubert.”
Like King David, who was not called by his father to join the “Potential King Line-up” (see 1 Samuel 16), nothing about Holy Hubert’s appearance or personality made him stand out. But, like David, he possessed something more important: God’s heart.
I once had the privilege of hearing Mr. Lindsay speak. He spoke of his calling to minister at the University of California at Berkeley and mentioned the miracles and salvations. He mixed in some humor, and we all laughed, cheered, and applauded. What impacted me most, however, was a passing comment Holy Hubert made about how his ministry at Berkeley had been birthed.
“I became so burdened for this generation,” Mr. Lindsay said, “that I would walk the streets of the campus - sometimes all night long - weeping and interceding for those lost kids. I pleaded with God to save those young people.” God had given this man His heart for a lost generation.
The Lord answered Hubert’s cry - because it came from Him - and gave Him a revival. Church historians agree that the Jesus movement was incredibly significant in the entire renewal of the ‘60s and ‘70s. And when tracing the roots of The Jesus Movement, one invariably ends up at Berkeley with Holy Hubert Lindsay.
Lindsay’s burden cost him dearly, however. His broken heart led to broken bones - not to a large salary or a huge congregation. Lindsay and his wife were beaten on numerous occasions, stabbed, mocked, and ridiculed as they preached the gospel on campus. His wife eventually suffered brain damage from this, and Holy Hubert lost his sight due to the beatings. They bore on their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus (see Galatians 6:17).
The Lindsays picture for us the principle of running with the heart of God, allowing that to become our passion and the motivation for ministry. This heart releases pure revival, keeping it free from the debris of pride and selfish motivation.
Pray with me:
Father, like an automobile traveling down a well-worn road, the potholes of undealt-with ambition and desire for success can knock us out of alignment. Before we know it, like Ahimaaz, we are running for our own fulfillment, not Yours, speeding down life’s highway in search of self-worth and success.
Passion for You will correct this. We believe this has begun. As it continues, our hearts will burn for You, not for our own fulfillment and building our personal kingdoms. Religion will be replaced by relationship; intimacy with You will be our desire and the fuel for our activities. Give us Your heart for lost and hurting people. Give us Your heart for the broken, wounded, and confused. Give us Your heart, even for the rebel. Break our hearts for them - give us many who will walk the streets, weeping for those who are so lost. In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Our decree:
We decree that the heart of God is being imparted to the church, making us nameless, faceless, and powerful.
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