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.
Read also: Romans 9:1-5
Quote of the day: "I’m just a nobody telling everybody about Somebody who can save anybody.”
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