Hubert Lindsey, a gentleman used greatly by God in the early days of the charismatic movement, exemplifies a life lived according to God’s heart. Mr. Lindsey was part of that which was eventually called “The Jesus Movement.” This movement was used by God to bring thousands of drug-addicted, sexually perverted, disillusioned, and rebellious young people into the kingdom of God. Hubert Lindsey eventually became known as “Holy Hubert.”

Like King David, who wasn’t called by his father to join the “potential king lineup” (see 1 Samuel 16), nothing about Holy Hubert’s appearance or personality caused him to stand apart. He wasn’t all that charismatic, but again like David, he possessed something more important: God’s heart.

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I once had the privilege of hearing Mr. Lindsey speak. He told of his calling to minister at the University of California, Berkeley, and spoke of 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,” he said, “that I would walk the streets of the campus — sometimes all night long — weeping and interceding for those lost kids. I pled with God to give me those young people.” God had given this man His heart for a lost generation.

The Lord answered Hubert’s cry — because it was His own — and gave him a revival. Church historians agree that the Jesus Movement was of extreme significance in the renewal of the ’60s and ’70s. And when tracing the roots of the Jesus Movement, one invariably ends up at Berkeley with Holy Hubert Lindsey.

His burden cost him dearly, however. His broken heart led to broken bones — not to a large salary or a huge congregation. Lindsey 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. Just as the apostle Paul did, they bore on their bodies the marks of the Lord Jesus (see Galatians 6:17).

The Lindseys picture for us the principle of allowing the heart of God to become the motivation for ministry. This heart releases pure revival, keeping it free from the debris of pride and selfish motivation.

Father, 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 — give us many who will walk the empty streets, weeping for those who are so lost. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen. — Excerpted from Praying for America.