Psalm 105:43-45 ESV that they might keep his statutes and observe his laws.

Ezekiel 14:5 that I may lay hold of the hearts of the house of Israel, who are all estranged from me through their idols.

Ezekiel 14:11 that the house of Israel may no more go astray from me, nor defile themselves anymore with all their transgressions, but that they may be my people and I may be their God, declares the Lord God.

There’s a reason God does the things He does. He brought them into the land. He took them out of the land. Yes, the land of Israel is important, but it’s not most important. God was willing to remove them from the land He prepared for them and gave to them. He was willing to make the land a desolation. He brought armies. He brought pestilence. He had a purpose. He was after hearts.

What is your heart after? The church applauds increasing numbers, but numbers don’t prove progress or blessing. God’s not after numbers. He’s after hearts.