I am speaking the truth in Christ – I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit – I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my own people, my kindred according to the flesh. They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises; to them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to the flesh, comes the Messiah, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

Romans 9:1-5

Paul loved the Jews. They were his people. He said he would endure the loss of his eternal salvation if that would result in the salvation of the people he loved so much. In spite of his desire to rescue the people he loved from an eternity apart from Christ, Paul could not endure hell for them. Yet his expression of love reminds us of what Jesus Christ did for us. He really did endure hell for us. He really did give His life so that we would live.

Those who love Christ

have a heart for the lost.

Our Daily Bread – November 21, 2003