“I speak the truth in Christ — I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in 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 brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel.”
How much do I love my brothers?
Enough to serve them selflessly? Yes, occasionally.
Enough to die for them? If given the chance to be a hero, I suppose I might possibly act impulsively and give my life for that opportunity, as long as my death was quick and relatively painless, and I knew I'd get credit or it.
Enough to give up my salvation and suffer eternal separation from God? Absolutely not. Emphatically no!
Was Paul crazy? He claimed he would sacrifice his eternal future with Christ “for the sake of his brothers.” The Living Bible paraphrases the apostle: “I would be willing to be forever damned if that would save you” (Romans 9.3). Even if Paul was under emotional stress (“I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart”) or tended to exaggerate, nevertheless it appears he believed what he said to be true:
“I speak the truth in Christ – I am not lying,
my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit”
Romans 9:1 NIV
Paul’s statement is audacious, fantastic, almost unbelievable. Was this a ‘messianic ego’ running wild? Did he honestly think the sacrifice of his eternal destiny could secure the salvation of his brothers? Or, was it love? Did Paul literally love his people enough to trade his salvation for theirs, if he could? A similar offer was made by Moses on behalf of wayward Israelites over a thousand years earlier and recorded in the book of Exodus:
“But now, please forgive their sin – but if not,
then blot me out of the book You have written.”
Exodus 32.32 NIV
Is this what it takes to be a leader? If so, count me... out! I would never qualify! But I follow One who does. One who made Himself “cursed and cut off from” God for me and my brothers:
“And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying,
‘Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?’ which is, being interpreted,
‘My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?’ ”
Mark 15:34 KJV
Mark 15:34 KJV
For my sake and “for the sake of my brothers” Jesus was willing to forsake his all, and suffer eternal isolation from his Father God.
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The inspiring image of Jesus on the cross by IZZYGALVEZ (2007) is featured on Photobucket (http://media.photobucket.com/image/jesus%20on%20cross/izzygalvez/IZZYGALVEZ-JesusCross-John3-16-Sepi.jpg).
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3 comments:
Paul must have been broken hearted that his people (the Jews / Nation of Israel) were so reluctant (or even opposed)to receiving the message of salvation through Christ, the Son of God. Even so, I'm with you. I can't imagine him offering to give up his own salvation.
I think he knew God would not be a party to such an arrangement but would be open to using Paul's words to persuade and to change the hearts of some Jews. I do however think these verses reflect some of the the depth of Paul's love, pain, and his heart's desire for the nation of Israel.
Paul loved Christ and he loved and respected the covenants and Jewish tradition. His calling to share the gospel of Christ with the gentiles required him to leave reluctant and resistant Jews behind. I'm sure this was a huge source of grief and pain to Paul. I'm thankful Paul was faithful to his calling, to share the love of the One who gave it all!
Right on, Jeff!
Hello Pastor Dave. I am also a Pastor from Mumbai, India. I am glad to stop by your profile on the blogger and the blog post. I am also blessed and feel privileged and honoured to get connected with you as well as know you and about you being a former Presbyterian and now being a Real Estate Broker.Your blog post on daily devotion on How much I do love my brother" It is a reminder to the christian to be willing to give our life for the sake of others. Very encouraging post. I am blessed by it and also reminded to live a life with action which will express sacrifices I make for others to express my love. I love getting connected with the people of God around the globe to be encouraged, strengthened and praying for one another. I have been in the Pastoral ministry for last 40 yrs in this great city of Mumbai a city with a great contrast where richest of rich and the poorest of poor with the love of Christ to bring healing to the brokenhearted. We also encourage young and the adults from the west to come to Mumbai to work with us during their vacation time. We would love to have young people or your grown up children to come to work with us during their vacation time. I am sure they will have a life changing experience. Looking forward to hear from you very soon. God's richest blessings on you, your family and your business. Also wishing you a blessed and a Christ centred rest of the year 2018. My email id is: dhwankhede(at)gmail(dot)com and my name is Diwakar Wankhede.
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