PrayerBits for Saturday

PrayerBits

A bite sized devotional program
produced by the West Side Presbyterian Church

Saturday

Scripture lesson: Romans 9:1-5 “Accursed ... for the same of my own people”

Time to reflect: This passage is part of a three chapter exposition on the relationship of Jews and salvation. This section is easily misunderstood and has often been used for anti-Semitism although that is 180 degrees from Paul's intent.] How strongly Paul must have felt for his “people” that he would offer to be cursed and cut off from Christ on their behalf! Of course that love and concern for others would keep him from being cut off. [An old trick question for ministerial candidates was “would you go to Hell for the same of the Kingdom of God. One quick thinking young candidate under the stress of this examination said: “I think I already have...”]

Moving through the day: Are there people that you would sacrifice ANYTHING for? Pray for them.

Scripture:

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. Theirs is the adoption as sons; theirs the divine glory, the covenants, the receiving of the law, the temple worship and the promises. Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of Christ, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen.