Saturday, December 3
Sacrificial love
Scripture: Job 42, Psalm 140, Romans 9
Romans 9:1–3 I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience testifies to me through the Holy Spirit—2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the benefit of my brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood.
Observation
As Paul prepares to talk about the role of Israel in God’s great redemptive plan, he starts by sharing his own deep emotions. He feels “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” for his people Israel. He loves them and wants so badly for them to know Jesus and be saved that he is willing to sacrifice his own salvation for their sake. Paul is not saying that he can do that—it is impossible—but that he could wish it out of his deep love for his people.
A quote from John Stott’s excellent commentary on Romans:
“Denney calls it ‘a spark from the fire of Christ’s substitutionary love’, for he is prepared to die in their place. And Luther comments: ‘It seems incredible that a man would desire to be damned, in order that the damned might be saved.’” (Stott, J. R. W. (2001). The message of Romans: God’s good news for the world (p. 264). InterVarsity Press.)
Application
What is striking to me is the depth of Paul’s love and care for his people. Do I love anyone that much, that I’d be willing to sacrifice my eternal life and relationship with God to save them? It’s one thing to sacrifice this life—see Romans 5:5-8. But to sacrifice eternity with God! What kind of love is that? As Denney said above, it’s a small glimpse of Jesus’ love for us. Sacrificial love.
Today I’m asking God to give me that kind of sacrificial love for others. I’m too comfortable.
Prayer: Lord, I’m challenged and convicted by the depth of Paul’s love for others. Please breathe that kind of love in me.