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Daily Devotionals
Voice of the Lord
I could wish myself actually under God's curse and separated from the Messiah, if it would help my brothers (Romans 9:3).
Whenever I read Romans 9:3,I am astounded by the level of dedication it indicates that Rabbi Sha'ul (Saul; i.e., Paul) had towards the salvation of his own people.
Sha'ul knew of the great riches inherent in the love of God, and that nothing, not even famine, persecution or sword, could separate him from it. He knew of the joys of heaven, as well as the realities of Geyhinnom (hell). Despite all this, he was willing to be cut off from eternity with the Lord, if it meant that other Jewish people would be saved.
What compassion he had, especially when we consider that it was some of his own brothers who were causing Sha'ul his greatest miseries and problems. They rejected, ostracized, persecuted and beat him. They incited riots against him, even stoning him and leaving him for dead. Still, he remained so committed to their salvation that he was willing to sacrifice his own heavenly reward.
Many Jewish believers have felt the pain of rejection and humiliation when we have told our family and friends that we had accepted Yeshua. Despite this, God is calling us to love them, forgive them, and share with them the good news. By the power of the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit), we can!
...ask the Lord to remove any bitterness or rejection from me so I can love my own people with his love, and see them as he does.
JB
The Voice of the Lord, Copyright © 1998 by the Lewis and Harriet Lederer Foundation, Inc. Published by Messianic Jewish Publishers, Distributed by Messianic Jewish Resources, www.messianicjewish.net. All rights reserved. Used by permission. No part of this article may be reproduced in print or on the web, or transmitted in any form, without the written permission of the publisher.
