Burn Out for God

What does wholehearted zeal for God actually look like? Henry Martyn wrote “let me burn out for God”—and at just 31, he had.

“His disciples remembered that it was written, ‘Zeal for your house will consume me’” (John 2:17).

“Now, let me burn out for God.” These words were written by Henry Martyn in his diary after arriving in India in 1806.

Born in Cornwall, England, in 1781, Martyn had been an exceptional student, graduating with top honors in mathematics at Cambridge University. Although raised in a Christian home, only gradually did he commit his life to Christ.

As he grew in his Christian commitment, he was moved by the example of missionary David Brainerd and began to live a life of prayer and devotion. Inspired by William Carey’s pioneering missionary efforts in India, Martyn felt the call to go there. At age 24, he was named a chaplain to the East India Company and left for India. Recognizing his brilliant mind, people there encouraged him to work on Bible translation, and he began translating the New Testament into Hindustani, Persian, and Arabic.

Martyn increasingly battled health problems. In 1812, hoping to find a solution, he embarked on a journey back to England, but he died while traveling through Asia Minor. Only 31 years old, he truly had “burned out” for God.

His example reminds us of the words of the disciples as they looked at the life of Jesus: He did not compromise. He had no other priority but was filled with zeal for His Father’s house.

Ask God to give you this kind of zeal for His Kingdom and His Word!

Reflection Question: Have you committed to do your part to reach the world with the Gospel?

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Henry Martyn?

Henry Martyn (1781–1812) was a brilliant Cambridge scholar who became a missionary and Bible translator in India. Inspired by William Carey, he wrote “let me burn out for God” and died at just 31, having translated the New Testament into several languages.

What does “zeal for your house” mean in John 2:17?

Quoting Psalm 69, the disciples saw Jesus’ passion for God’s house as a fulfillment of “zeal for your house will consume me.” It pictures wholehearted, uncompromising devotion to God—an example for every believer.