Romans 9:1-2…“I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.” vss. 1-2
After speaking of the incredible love of God in Christ Jesus, Paul’s tone shifts as he continues his letter to the Romans. He knows that large numbers of Jews are refusing to acknowledge Jesus as the messiah and their rejection is causing him extreme anguish–his heart is aching for his own people. In his eyes they are turning their backs on the love of God. And he knows from his own experience that he doesn’t have the words or the argument that can cause them to change their minds.
Through the years there have been many who have shared Paul’s deep pain. When we have had a spiritual experience that has changed our lives and those who are closest to us refuse to listen to our story of God’s grace, there will often be feelings of sorrow and sadness. That’s especially true when we see that they are walking in ways that will bring them almost certain pain and suffering.
Still we have to wonder if Paul isn’t underestimating the power of the gospel. He has just said that “he is convinced that neither death, nor life…nor rulers…nor powers…nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Might it not be possible for that love of God to include even those who had rejected Jesus?
Thought for the Day: What can’t the love of God overcome?
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