SUNDAY August 23, 2020
Desiring Others to Be Saved
For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, who are Israelites….
Romans 9:3-4
Paul, in his love for the Jews, was willing to be accursed––to go to hell so that God would spare his brethren. He was ready to sacrifice his own life. The heart of God is seen in the heart of Paul. He demonstrated true love for the Jewish people he loved––for Israel. He daily yearned for them to be saved, and they were constantly in his heart. God has not forgotten His people; He still loves them. God watches over them; He has His eye on them. He has a perfect, divine time to work in the nation of Israel.
Whether Jew or Gentile, know this: God does not force Himself on anyone. People can reject or accept God’s way of salvation through Jesus Christ. Yet I surely do not take joy in hearing of anyone who has perished eternally. In fact, I understand theologically, as a Christian, all about hell or hades. It is a temporal place where people are tormented day and night while they wait for the Great White Throne Judgment.
The dead, the strong, the great, the weak and the poor will stand before God to be judged. The Book God keeps will be opened. Every idle word people have spoken and every sin that has been committed by them has been recorded. God keeps the records. The final place of their judgment is the Lake of Fire––the second death (Revelation 20:11-15).
Do you have the same heart and attitude as Paul? Have you ever cried out to God for the lost? Not many people are willing to say, like Paul, they would rather go into hell in place of those they love!
Lost! Lost! Lost! Better a whole world on fire than a soul lost! Better every star quenched and the skies a wreck than a single soul to be lost!
~C.H. Spurgeon~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!