David Bahn – Reflections

Romans 9:1-13

I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

6 But it is not as though the word of God has failed. For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel, 7 and not all are children of Abraham because they are his offspring, but “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” 8 This means that it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as offspring. 9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time next year I will return, and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only so, but also when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, 11 though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God’s purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls— 12 she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Ask a Christian parent which a wayward child and you will learn about “great sorry and unceasing anguish” of heart (v. 2). Ask a Christian mom who has lost a little child and you will learn of this deep anguish. Ask a husband whose wife is not a believer, or a grandmother whose grandchild has rejected the faith and you will learn of these emotions in real time and terms. Paul expresses these feelings and emotions regarding the whole nation of Israel, for they had rejected the Son of God, the Messiah. But these were his people. They were his ancestors and compatriots. How would he deal with the fact that his brothers were rejecting Jesus and removing themselves from God’s grace?

We might want to blame poor parenting, meddling teachers, outside influences, or even a poor pastor for times when our children or loved ones abandon the church and the faith. We might want to know who to blame when someone rejects Christ. But it’s all on us; we are responsible for our own rejection or abandonment of God. And in the end, the issue is not blame, but a love for people that yearns for them somehow to experience the grace of God in Christ. In fact, any desire that we may have for the salvation of a friend or family member is a dim reflection of God’s desire for their salvation. After all God gave his son for the salvation of all people.

God wants all people to be saved. Whether we have a long lineage of religious faithfulness, or none at all, God’s desire for our salvation is set in the cross of Jesus and the empty tomb. His heart’s desire is for your salvation and mine. Thanks be to God!