Paul’s passion for his people gripped me. He writes: I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit— I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race, the people of Israel. Theirs is the adoption to sonship; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen (1-5, bold mine).
Paul is willing to be cursed, doomed to hell for eternity if that would save his people. That is an incredible statement of love and care. The tortures of eternity in hell are unspeakable, and yet Paul would willingly accept that if it could save his people…
As I read this I was astonished by Paul’s selflessness; even more I hear the whisper of God, “Bill, do you long for your people’s salvation with this kind of longing? Bill, what would you give for “your people’s” salvation? Would you give worldly comforts? Would you give your reputation? Would you give your finances or standard of living, your toys? Bill, what would you give to see people come to faith in Me?”
I sat silently before the Lord, ashamed that I do not have a bold faith-filled answer!!
Lord, weight is heavy on me this morning. I sit in my comfort… warm house, wonderful yard, typing on my fancy computer, checking my email on my smartphone and people around me are as lost without Jesus and the Jews Paul longs for. Paul’s heart broke; I’m not sure mine does.
O, God, wretched am I… Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment