| While reading Paul's words in Romans 9, I was struck by his passion for the salvation of his kinsmen according to the flesh (vv. 3). Paul writes he could pray that he might be accursed from Christ for their sakes. Many fathers would be willing to die on their family's behalf, but this isn't what Paul is implying. As the word accursed implies, he would pray that he would be eternally separated, judged guilty by God if it meant the salvation of other Jews.It is a bold statement and along the same order as Moses' declaration when he interceded on Israel's behalf. He said to God, If you won't forgive them, then blot my name out of the book which You have written. (Exodus 32:32, paraphrased)Paul knew his being accursed from God would not be an acceptable sacrifice; in fact the only sacrifice acceptable is the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross for the remission of sins. Yet, the intensity of thought suggests Paul's desperate desire for other Jews to be saved.SO, HERE'S THE QUESTION: How desperate are you for your family to be saved? Could you pray, I wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the salvation of my family? Would you be willing to say to God, If you won't forgive them then blot my name out of the Lamb's book of life?Thankfully, God would not accept such a proposition for nothing we could offer would measure the sacrifice of Christ Jesus. Yet, WHAT WE CAN DO IS PRAY AS IF THEIR LIVES DEPENDED ON IT BECAUSE IT MIGHT VERY WELL BE THE CASE! Who else is going to pray for their salvation with passion?We can't die for their salvation, but we must, need to sacrifice the time in intense intercessory prayer to the One who sent His Son for their salvation. This is especially true in the day and hour in which we now live.PRAY THIS WAY: Holy Father awaken my loved one's to Your holiness and righteousness and how much their sin offends You, Father convict them of sin, and lead them to godly sorrow and true repentance. Reveal Your love and the sacrifice You made on their behalf, and lead them to Your Son Jesus that they may experience redemption and the resurrection life. In Jesus Name and for Your Name sake, AMEN God-HonoringChrist-CenteredBible-BasedSpirit-Led |