“My heart is filled with bitter sorrow and unending grief for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed – cut off from Christ! – if that would save them.” Romans 9:2-3 NLT
Though we often grieve for someone due to their loss of a loved one, here Paul is grieving for his brothers and sisters because of their sin. He is experiencing an inner spiritual pain, brought about by the conviction of the Holy Spirit, and experienced because of their sin.
Paul’s grief for his lost brothers and sisters is comparable to the sorrow we experience at the loss of someone deeply cherished. Paul’s feelings are so strong and sincere, that he would be willing to submit himself to being disgraced and destined to destruction, in order that the people might be saved.
In today’s text, Paul reminds us of the sincere concern that we are to have for all people, but in particular, for their eternal well being. May the Holy Spirit convict us as he did Paul; filling us with love for those that we might not find easy to love. To be insensible to the eternal condition of our fellow creatures, would be contrary to both the love required by the Law and the mercy of the Gospel.
Lock Your Wings 
“And concerning Israel, Isaiah the prophet cried out, “Though the people of Israel are as numerous as the sand of the seashore, only a remnant will be saved.”
Romans 9:27 NLT
I like that this encouragement is given: that a remnant will be saved. When we think all hope is lost, a tiny glimmer of hope – that remnant – can still remain and prosper. There is hope even through despair. When we feel overwhelmed we just need to grab hold of that remnant and know that through Him all things are possible.
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