Scripture to Read: Romans 9:1–3
As of yesterday, another new year has begun, and we have the privilege of returning to the book of Romans. In Romans 9, Romans 10, and Romans 11, we are going to see how God reveals to us how Israel has missed Jesus as their Messiah. We’ll also see how God saves His people. As we finished Romans 8:39, we saw this incredible Truth, that absolutely nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” But we see brokenness in Paul as God led Paul to share in Romans 9:1–2, I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart. Paul’s heart was broken over the lost souls of the nation of Israel because Paul was an Israelite (Philippians 3:5). Then God allows Paul to share even more of his heart in Romans 9:3, For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. What we see here is similar to how Moses felt for the nation of Israel when he was with them in the wilderness (Exodus 32:31–32). This should challenge every Christian that each of us would be so broken for our lost family and friends that we would be willing to give up our salvation if it meant our lost family and friends would surrender to Christ as their Lord.
Challenge & Application
What will it take for you to be so broken for your lost family and friends that nothing will stop you from sharing Christ with them?
How are you currently praying for your lost family and friends, or how will you start praying for them?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!