Read: ROMANS 9:1-8

Many of Paul’s fellow Israelites do not believe that Jesus is indeed God’s Messiah sent to reconcile them and all of creation to God. Paul presents a theological puzzle in which it’s hard to understand how God’s chosen people could reject God’s chosen servant. But there’s more than a theological puzzle going on here. We also see Paul’s heart.

We can join Paul in sorrow for anyone who does not know the fullness of God’s love expressed in and through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and in God’s ongoing work of love through the Holy Spirit. Paul’s sorrow for Israel can lead us to sorrow and prayer for anyone else who does not yet know the love of God.

Lord, may my heart break with the things that break your heart, and may I see your Spirit at work bringing love to those who seem far away from you. AMEN.