Romans 9: 1-3
I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me in the Holy Spirit,
that I have great sorrow and unceasing grief in my heart.
For I could wish that I myself were accursed, separated from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh.
This is a shocking statement from Paul, that he would give himself away like that for the sake of the Jews.
But when I think how Jesus, the Son of the Father, who had always enjoyed oneness together as One God, was willing to come to Earth and be separated from His Father for our sakes! When He bore our sins on the Cross, and became sin (II Corinthians 5:21); this means that He carried upon Himself our very sin-nature, the whole basket, including everything in it, all the sins that come from our sin-nature. And when He did that, the Father had to turn His back on Him! For three hours, from Noon to 3:00 pm, the time of day that the Sun shines brightest, it refused to shine at all, and darkness was over the land.
So Paul is identifying himself with Christ so much that he is also willing to suffer that excruciating sorrow of separation for the sake of his kindred, the Jews.
I wonder what I would be willing to suffer, if it means the salvation of others. Would I submit to being separated from my loved ones, who are dearest to me? Would I be willing to suffer privation without any of the "comforts" of civilization? Would I agree to be cut off from my Lord for the sake of my enemies? This is what Christ did for me!
O my Father, I know that You will never leave me! But I want to be willing to suffer anything in this World if it means others would be at Your table. You will receive all the credit for each one.
And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is our Lord God Almighty, King of the Universe, to the eternal glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen.
Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
