Do we really care?

Good morning, everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Sound doctrine, strong faith”

Our Bible verse for today: “I speak the truth in Christ – I am not lying; my conscience testifies to me through the Holy Spirit – that 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 benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood.” Romans 9:1-3 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Do we really care?”

In yesterday’s devotional message we considered the truth that if you have trusted Christ then your salvation is secure forever and nothing can change that. It’s a great truth that brings us a lot of comfort. But do we care that others do not have that assurance of salvation? Does it break our heart to think that others are lost and headed to hell? That’s what Paul was expressing in Romans 9:1-3. Paul was genuinely grieved for the salvation of others.

In the Experiencing God Study Bible Henry Blackaby asks the question, “How earnestly do you want your family, friends, and fellow citizens to be saved?” Yes, how much do we really want that? The next part of his question is, “How does this affect the way you relate to them?” In other words, does your concern for their salvation come through in your words and actions. Do they know you care about their eternal soul by the things you say and do?

Now let’s apply that same question to not just your friends, family, and others who are close to you, but to the unbelieving world in general. As the unbelieving world interacts with the Christian world which do they sense more, our love or our anger? And which of those two emotions is more likely to influence them in a positive way for Christ? It’s a rhetorical question. The answer should be obvious. We may love them into the arms of Jesus, but I doubt if we will shout them into the arms of Jesus.

The editors of the Holman New Testament commentary on Romans wrote, “Paul is so struck at the end of chapter 8 with the powerful and protecting love of God – and the fact that most of Israel has not experienced that love making it seem as if God had not kept his promises to Israel – that his love for his nation bursts out in a display of brokenness that would shame most who claim to have “a burden for the lost.””

If you think about it, the difference between what was described in chapter eight, and what Paul is lamenting right here in chapter nine, is an illustration of the great chasm between what was supposed to be, and what actually is. Chapter eight describes the relationship God has always wanted with His people – for the nation of Israel, but also for all of us too. And chapter nine is a despairing cry over how far Israel, and many people today, are from the relationship God wants to have with them. And Paul was heartbroken about it. Are we heartbroken too?

I encourage you to tell someone about Jesus today.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you are reading in these daily devotionals and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00 – in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

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