I Thirst. Do You?

Daily Reading: Romans 9

Scripture Focus: I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers. (Romans 9.2-3)

Devotional Thought: "I wish I could take your pain for you - even if just for an hour." That was written in a friend's ‘Get Well Card’ I recently read. I was moved by the sentiment, for I knew the person meant it. I knew how much she loved the friend to whom she was writing.

The Apostle Paul went even farther in his sympathy: "I could wish that I myself were accursed for the sake of my brothers." Paul was called by God to serve the Gentiles and preach the gospel to them. His heart was moved with love and affection for that class of people. But, there was a visceral yearning for the salvation of his kinspeople, the Jewish race. He identified with them. He longed for their souls to know the freedom and joy that he had in Jesus. So great was his love for them, he was willing to spend eternity cut off from Christ if only they would be saved.

Mother Theresa made the observation that when Jesus was on the cross and said, "I thirst," it was not water for which he longed. It was for the souls of those he was in that moment redeeming from the curse of sin. Jesus literally became accursed and cut off from God for the sake of those he loved, for your sake and mine.

I once read something that moved me deeply: "My soul longs for the souls for whom Christ died." Is there someone for whom you long with godly desire?

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you laid down your life for me. Help me so love others in this manner. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 20.1-5

1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble! May the name of the God of Jacob protect you! 2 May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion! 3 May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

4 May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans! 5 May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners! May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!