Saint Paul in Prison – by Rembrandt
Paul’s Anguish Over Israel
“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
Consider Paul’s position. He’s been personally directed by the Lord to take the gospel to the Gentiles, but in his heart, his allegiance has always been to his own people, the Jews. He has received great revelation about the grace of God to all people, but he knows too well the kind of thinking that might block the understanding of his fellow Hebrews. And his heart is broken for them.
There is much more brilliant light in Romans chapter 9, but I would just like to stop here and ponder the heart of this great man of God.
Shalom Aleichem
(peace be upon you)
♞
