Sunday, December 4
My people
Scripture: Hosea 1-3, Romans 10
Romans 10:1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation.
Observation
Romans 9-11 is Paul’s explanation of how Israel fits with the gospel. Yesterday we saw that Paul loves his people, the Israelites, so much that he would consider sacrificing his own salvation if it would bring salvation to them. In this chapter, he continues that concern, opening with this verse: “my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them is for their salvation.”
This was his heart’s desire (longing) and his prayer—the Greek word for “prayer” means “an urgent request, to plead, to beg.” This was no casual prayer—this was urgent and earnest. Paul felt it deeply. He longed for his people to know the Lord.
Application
Who are my people—those I know and love—for whom I am urgently and earnestly praying, and longing for their salvation?
For many years, we have asked people at Life Center to have a Love List—a list of people whom you love who are far from God and for whom you pray regularly. And, based on this verse, for whom you pray urgently, fervently.
This verse reminded me of the importance and value of my Love List—my people—and fervent faithful prayer for their salvation. Today, I’m going to renew my Love List and my prayers for my people.
Prayer: Lord, give me the same concern and love that Paul had, and let it move me to pray urgently and earnestly for the salvation of my people.