The Mystery RevealedSample

Day 5: Charis Freije, a Braveheart

Romans 9-10

“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 brothers, my kinsman according to the flesh.” Romans 9:3

In the next two chapters, Paul’s heart burns for the Jewish people. He’s so compelled by desire for them that he even confesses he would be willing to trade places in order that they’d taste the salvation he has so eagerly embraced. In chapter ten, Paul grieves that the Israelites were “ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own… did not submit to God’s righteousness” (Romans 10:3). Paul laments that many stumbled over the Cornerstone, which is Christ. We know about Paul’s catalytic encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus and his overnight transformation. But, it isn’t enough for Paul to encounter Jesus and enjoy his salvation alone. As he grows up into God, his heart yearns continually for his own people to embrace Jesus.

I think in Paul’s evocative words, we hear the heartbeat of the Father Himself.

This is always where the journey of salvation takes us, straight to the heart of the Father. What we find there is His great heart, aching for His lost kids. He is not willing that any should perish, but that all should believe.

Prayer: Father, forgive me wherever I’ve grown happy in my salvation and asleep to the lost and dying world around me. Thank You that it’s so simple to be saved, and thank You for the free gift of salvation. I get to be right with You because of Jesus’ finished work. Thank You that Your heart burns for people, both Jew and Gentile. But today, I pray for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, the ones You, Jesus, were sent to. You want union and fellowship with the people You lovingly created and fashioned in Your own image. Help my heart agree with Yours, and may my heart ache over what breaks Yours.