Reading in Romans 9 & 10 today, I came across a verse that I have read many times before, and each time find it an almost unbeliveable statment, and today was no different.
The verse I'm talking about is Romans 9:3 where Paul writes, "For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race." In essence, what Paul is saying here, is that he loves his fellow Jews so much, that if it would "buy" their salvation, he would give himself up to be seperated from Christ, literally, that he would be willing to go to hell if it meant their salvation.
To me, this is a huge, huge statement, and it shows the depths of the love that Paul had for people. Paul often gets a bad rap as being hard and stiff, but this verse shows a love that I don't have, and that I don't know that I have seen anyone have.
Who would you got to hell for? Would you go for your children? Before you say yes, think about what it really means. I love my kids. I would give my life for my kids in a heartbeat. But to be honest, I don't think I would give my relationship with Christ for my kids.
This verse makes me examine my life, my heart and my motives for serving God. Do I really serve God out of love, or because it is just what I do? What sacrifices am I willing to make? What am I willing to give up? How deep is my love of Jesus? How deep is my love of the lost? Do I really care that people I work with will die and wind up in hell? If I do care, why don't I do more about it?
As usual, when I take a good look at the scriptures I walk away with more questions, than answers.
Ok, so there's that.
Pastor Dave
Thoughts on Scripture and life, from a small church pastor. Exploring what it means, that everyone needs the Good Shepherd.
4 comments:
Honestly, that verse jumped out at me as well. I immediately thought of Victoria. I would die if it would bring her back to Jesus, but would I go to hell? That's a huge statement Paul made, and while I believe he was sincere, I wonder if it wasn't what is known (I believe) as hyperbole...exaggeration to make a point...that if we don't love the lost and the wandering that much, then maybe we really don't love them at all.
And what are we willing to give up to reach the lost and the wandering? I think that is the better question.
Wow...I don't know what to think. I hate these speechless moments of insight, when scripture leaves your heart exposed to truth. How much do you love? What is the value of one life in the eyes of God? Are we to be like Christ? The questions I know the answer too, but refuse to answer for the fear of lost comfort…what tears will be shed in heaven because I refused to leave my place of comfort…life without suffering, without pain, without a soul.
Steve
Do I really want to go to hell for someone? No...but like Deena said would I die for someone If it would save them from going to hell... yes I would gladly standup and give my life for my daughter Debra, if she would just accept God free gift of salvation.
Claudia
Yeah I think Paul knew that it wasn't really an option. I think like Deena said, it's more a figure of speech to indicate the depth of his love for these people. Which does pose the question - would we? But knowing Christ, He would never ask us to give up our relationship with Him for another. That says He values & loves the other person more than us and we know from Scripture God has no favourites, He loves us all equally.
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