God Wants Us In His Heart

At the end of a Good News Club year several years ago, we had a pizza party and an opportunity to present the Gospel to the children in club one last time before summer break. I talked to the children about how God sent His Son to reconcile us to Himself, but before I did I asked the kids why they thought we talked about Jesus so much. The children gave various answers, but one little boy’s answer really struck me. He said “because God wants us in His heart.” When he said that, I began to grin. What a wonderful way to state the Gospel message: God wants us in His heart! But that’s only half of the good news: He sent His Son to accomplish that plan.

We are not sure which of the children who hear the Gospel message in Good News Club God may choose to draw to Himself – we hope all of them! – but it’s not our job to know that, it’s only our job to share the message with them. I’ll carry that little boy’s phrase around in my own heart for a while. It is a privilege to introduce boys and girls to the Savior of the world in the most unlikely of settings every week: a public school. We love seeing the spiritual growth of our students. We’re not sure if and when I’ll see them again, but we pray that God the Holy Spirit will work in their hearts and ultimately draw them to Himself.

The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. – 2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)