The Human Ancestry Of The Messiah

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.

Romans 9:1-5

There was love in Paul’s heart, and we can tell the depth of that love in a letter Paul wrote to the church in Rome. Paul admits he would be willing to be cursed – cut off from Christ! – if that would save people.

Paul loved the Jewish people so much that he would have chosen separation from God if only they would accept Christ. He understood that by rejecting Jesus, his people wee rejecting the one true God. This motivated him to appeal to his readers to share the good news of Jesus with everyone.

Today, may we prayerfully dedicate ourselves to the love that aches for those close to us!

We must love those for whom Christ died as well as those in whom Christ lives.

Our Daily Bread – August 8, 2018