That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. For I could wish that myself were accursed from Christ for my brethren, my kinsmen according to the flesh. Romans 9:2-3
When I am not broken-hearted over souls on their way to hell, I need revival.
Think about the magnitude of what Paul is
saying in Romans 9. His burden for his people to come to Christ was so great
that he said, if it were in any way possible, he would go to hell for them so
they could have a place in Heaven. That would take a tremendous sacrifice. Most
people are aware of the horrors of hell, and there is no doubt that Paul was,
as well. He was willing to suffer the torturous lake of fire, the worms eating
at his body, the absolute darkness, and the gnashing of the teeth, not just for
a day but forever, so that they could avoid such a place. Perhaps that mental
picture is what kept Paul unceasingly working to win his fellow man to Christ.
Could you say the same thing Paul said? I confess I would have a hard time
giving up my place in Heaven and entering the gates of hell to take the place
of another who deserved to be there; yet, that is the burden that Paul felt for
his people. Until we can reach that point in our own lives, we will have a hard
time caring enough to witness to those who really are dying and going to hell.
The reason many people are not willing to
work in the bus ministry at their church or to go from house-to-house on
visitation is that it costs them more than they are willing to pay. In essence,
they are saying that the petty things that they squander their time and money
on are more important than the souls who are lost without a Saviour. There are
many people that pass by you each week that need a friend and that need Christ.
Can you just stand idly by and watch them go to hell? Does your heart burn for
their need? Or, have you forgotten about them simply because you know Christ as
your own Saviour and your eternity is secured? Chances are good that you have
relatives or friends whom you know are not saved. Is your heart broken over
their sure destruction? Do you beg God daily to save their souls? If the answer
is no to any of these questions, then you need revival.
O reader, do not be ashamed of the gospel
of Christ. Do not fail to witness to others for fear of rejection. Yes, you may
be rejected; but they are not rejecting you; they are rejecting the message of
Jesus Christ. Amy Carmichael said, “We will have all of eternity to celebrate
victories, but only a few hours before sunset in which to win them.” Spare not
the gospel from a lost and dying world – they are counting on you.
Quote of the day: “I’m just a nobody telling everybody about Somebody who can save anybody.”
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