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Romans 9 English Standard Version (ESV)

God’s Sovereign Choice

¹ I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— ² that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. ⁴ They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. ⁵ To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

⁶ But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, ⁷ and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” ⁸ This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. ⁹ For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.”¹⁰ And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, ¹¹ though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— ¹² she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” ¹³ As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

REFLECTION

• These verses illustrated clearly Paul’s love for the people of Israel.  In order for his people to have God’s salvation, he’s even willing to bear their punishment.  How deep his love for them!  This is just like Christ – willing to sacrifice Himself for us.
• How do you care for those unbelieving people, especially your family, relatives, and good friends?  In order for them to receive salvation, are you willing to sacrifice your time, money, energy and comfortable life?
• How do you care for your fellow people, whether they may be in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan or anywhere in the word? What about those Chinese immigrants in Toronto, Canada?
• Ask the Lord to place the burden of a specific group of people in your heart.  (Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Toronto immigrants…)  Use this passage to pray for their salvation.  Ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to respond to the burden in preaching the gospel among your fellow people.

PRAYER

Dear Lord Jesus, Paul’s love for his fellow countrymen deeply moves me! This love originates from You, for You willingly laid down Your life for the world, so that not one person would perish. You have said it Yourself, that You are the good shepherd who lays down His life for the sheep, and You do not want a single sheep to be lost. Lord, I pray that You grant me stronger faith, greater passion, and increased courage to learn from Your and Paul’s shepherd’s spirit. This spirit is not only required of church leaders, but of every disciple of Yours to emulate. You have given us a new commandment to “love one another as Yourself,” and since it is a commandment, it is not optional but something that everyone must fulfill. I deeply understand that the greatest love for my fellow countrymen is to care for their souls, to share Your Gospel with them, so that they too can receive the abundant blessings I have received. Lord, I am willing to actively participate in Your great mission, carrying Your great commandment, and I pray for You to strengthen me. Amen!

HYMN

Build My Life – youtu.be/QZW4_8_zCBE