Christianity Oasis Forum

[cimi]

FRIDAY MAY 15


A SURVIVOR'S THOUGHTS

READ:
Romans 9:3
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I could wish that
I myself were
accursed from
Christ for my
brethren.
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After a 71-year-old South Korean woman was rescued during the tragic sinking of a ferry boat, she struggled with survivor's guilt. From her hospital bed she said she couldn't understand how it could be right for her to have lived through an accident that had taken the lives of many who were so much younger. She also regretted not knowing the name of the young man who had pulled her out of the water after she had given up hope. Then she added, "I want to buy him a meal at least, or hold his hand, or give him a hug."

This woman's heart for others reminds me of the apostle Paul. He was so concerned about his neighbors and countrymen that he said he wished he could trade his own relationship with Christ for their rescue: "I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren" (ROM. 92-3).

Paul also expressed a deep sense of personal gratitude. He knew he didn't understand the ways and judgments of God (vv. 14-24). So while doing everything he could to proclaim the gospel to all, he found peace and joy in trusting the heart of a God who loves the whole world so much more than we ever could.

**Lord God, Your ways are so far beyond our comprehension, yet we know
without doubt that You love us. Help us trust Your loving heart with the things
we don't understand. ________________________________________________________
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Gratitude to God leads to growth in godliness.

*****************************Today's Bible Reading __ Romans 9:1-5************************
1 I tell the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience
also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have
great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I
could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for
my brethren, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who
are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, the glory, the
convenants, the giving of the law, the service of God, and the
promises; 5 of whom are the fathers and from whom, according
to the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, the eternally blessed
God. amen.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>INSIGHT<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Even though Paul was "an apostle to the
Gentiles" (ROM. 11:12, GAL. 2:8), his heart's desire was to see his own
people__the Jews__come to faith in Jesus (ROM. 9:2-3). In Romans
9-11 Paul discussed the continuing unbelief of the Jews, but he
assured them that they had not been rejected. He reminded
them of their privileged status (v. 4), and the climax of these
privileges is that the Messiah__the Savior__is Himself a Jew (v.5).