In our last visit I suggested we reflect on what Paul shares about his passion for his brothers, the people of Israel. Listen to chapter 9:1-4, “I speak the truth in Christ – I am not lying, my conscience confirms it in the Holy Spirit – I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel.” 

 

What he shares here is hard to understand. That’s why he is so careful to spell out his heart’s passion. He is essentially saying, “I swear by the name of Christ that I am telling you the truth.” Then he adds, “I am not lying.” To underscore his sincerity he affirms that the Holy Spirit and his conscience are in agreement on what he is saying. 

 

He has great sorrow or grief, the kind you feel when a loved one dies. He intensifies his description of his passion by saying his grief is bringing him great sorrow and anguish. What is breaking his heart? The people of Israel are not experiencing a relationship with Christ that he personally has come to know. They’ve had everything provided to have this relationship, but have missed it! 

 

This relationship with Christ meant so much to Paul that he desired it for his fellow Israelites. His passion drove him to the point where if it were possible he was willing to be cut off from Christ if that would bring them into this relationship. He could not do this, according to the close of chapter 8, but if he could, he would be willing. That’s how much he cared.