With Christ as my witness, I speak with utter truthfulness. My conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. 2 My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief 3 for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them. 4 They are the people of Israel, chosen to be God’s adopted children. God revealed his glory to them. He made covenants with them and gave them his law. He gave them the privilege of worshiping him and receiving his wonderful promises. 5 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are their ancestors, and Christ himself was an Israelite as far as his human nature is concerned. And he is God, the one who rules over everything and is worthy of eternal praise! Amen.
Terrie's Comments:
I can feel Paul's heart breaking and longing for his fellow Jews to believe in Jesus and be saved. He knows that they know everything they need to know to figure it out and have a relationship with God again.
Does my heart break and long for those around me to be saved? Or those who believe they are saved through what they think they know about God instead of the truth that we are saved By Jesus Christ alone?
Tori's Comments:
This goes back to that constant goal of focusing on eternity. It's hard to not step out in faith and evangelize when you think about why you should.
This goes back to that constant goal of focusing on eternity. It's hard to not step out in faith and evangelize when you think about why you should.
Take our personal comments or leave them. We would love to hear what stood out to you about today`s passage and how it encouraged you. Tell us in the comments below!
My former pastor once challenged his congregation to remember the Jewish people in our prayers, that as a people and nation they would know Christ for Who He really is. This passage reminds me of that, and fills me with respect for Israel in the same way I respect my family ancestors...not perfect, but without them, I wouldn't be here.
ReplyDeleteI had the same question as you Terrie does my heart long for people to be saved? and what I am doing to further the kingdom? I often think of people who have careers based around their faith like pastors and missionaries and wonder if it is easier to stay focused. I find this world so distracting with the day to day business.
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