“Heart’s Desire/God’s Desire”

Romans 10: 1: “Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.” St. Paul has already expressed his sorrow and grief over the state of his kinsmen (Romans 9: 2-3), and here states his heart’s desire for them. As he works out this issue over the course of the next three chapters he realizes there is no need for sadness, but joy, even laughter, for his desire is God’s desire, and all Israel (all God’s people, both Jews and Gentiles) will be saved (Romans 11: 25). From mourning to dancing! (Psalm 30: 11)