In this passage, Paul is very passionate. He expresses his love for the people of Israel and his commitment to God. Paul is peeved knowing that Israel could be "children of God and have God's glory, covenant and law" (v. 4), but was living a life apart from God. Israel was empty and hurting, and this hurt Paul. Like Jesus, Paul's heart broke for those who had yet to know Christ to the point where he was willing to die for them & take their place in Hell. (Reminds me of this. Very touching.)
I used to consider myself an emotional person. I'm a softie -- I tear up during sad movies. But Paul is intense.
But anyway, this spiritual poverty is still prevalent in our society today. So many people have no heard the gospel and still haven't felt God's love! Worse, people hear bits of it and try to piece together something weird & have false impressions of Christianity. This is especially the case for my English teacher. He has 5 degrees, travelled the world, worked in every industry known to man, and went to Sunday school up until grade 6, so he's not completely ignorant regarding religion, culture and other stuff. And he keeps picking on me everytime there's a Christian and atheist side to a debate. And the whole rapture thing on May 21 didn't help. But like I said in my last post, we can't lose hope.
Like the little story Ben Zander told in the video... There were 2 shoe salesmen who went to Africa and were appalled that no one there wore shoes. One shoe salesman said "Shizz! These people don't wear shoes!" while the other shoe salesman said "Hurray, these people don't have shoes yet!". We have to approach the Great Commission with the right mindset.
The recent rapture prediction prompted me to think of all my friends that would be left behind. It's heartbreaking to know that they won't be spending eternity with God (and me). Let's pray that God will break our hearts for the rest of the world.
Sonia
No comments:
Post a Comment