What a day, Father! Introducing myself to a third congregation on top of the two I have been serving was a joy. May Your hand be upon us as we move forward. Use us all to impact the world around us! Amen.
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Life has been overwhelming for the last several weeks and many of you have probably noticed that I have reshared several posts from years gone by. I was in a wonderful spot then and life has changed so much in the intervening years. I know what I shared then was solid. It was meaty and I hope my readers benefited from them, but it is time to get back in the saddle, if you will.
Romans 9:1-3 (<<click here to read the passage)
I have a great respect for those who serve in law enforcement, as firefighters, and in all branches of the military. Each of those areas has built-in risk factors. As they bid farewell to their loved ones, there is always that distinct possibility that they may not see each other on this side of eternity again. The jobs they do include a great chance that in saving the lives of others, they might forfeit their own.
As I read today’s passage, I couldn’t help but think of Jesus’ statement as recorded in John 15:12-13.
This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
He feels so strongly about it that He reiterates it once more just a few sentences later – This is my command: Love each other. v17 NLT
Of course, we cannot help but notice that he spoke much more than empty words that day. It was just a matter of time before He did just that, He laid down His life for us all…
The Apostle Paul was so concerned about his Jewish brothers and sisters that, as he said, his “heart was filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief” because they would not accept Jesus as the long-hoped-for Messiah. He felt so strongly about it that he proclaimed, “I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ! – if that would save them.” Romans 9:3 NLT
Of course, only Jesus could save them – and he knew that – but you can clearly see his heart. He was a living example of Jesus’ command for us to love others as He loved us – there was no greater love to be found.
So, how do we feel about those who have yet to come to a saving knowledge of Christ? Do we feel strongly enough to do something about it? Or are we content to let things be as they will be?
My Life Application Bible asks a very poignant question that we each must answer. “Are you willing to sacrifice your time, money, energy, comfort, and safety to see them come to faith in Jesus?”
Lord Jesus, may we love each other as You loved us…whatever it takes. Amen.
July 2nd, 2023, Sun, 8:18 pm
