i think i need to tell you something. all of you. it's important. and a bit personal. but i still think you should know. it might even surprise you. you might think i'm strange and a little different. you might question if i'm "all there" upstairs. i'd like to assure you i'm none of those things, but that would be a lie. i'm quite foolish actually. and that has a lot do with the fact that i need to share something with you. are you ready?
i'm praying for a burden. a heavy, heart inflicting burden. i know, i know. i probably shouldn't pray for burdens but rather a lighter load of them. here's the deal, though, i NEED this burden.
ok, enough of me being vague. here's what i'm saying...
in romans 9 verses 1-3 paul says this: with Christ as my witness, i speak with utter truthfulness. my conscience and the Holy Spirit confirm it. 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.
paul is deeply burdened by the fact that many of "his people" haven't been changed by the life saving love of Jesus. he is so burdened, in fact, that he is willing to give up his relationship with Christ if that would save them. to put it bluntly- paul would go to hell if that would save his jewish brothers and sisters. that is deep, unconditional love. and that's because paul understands that eternity is at stake.
and with that, i'm praying for the same burden. in my particular case, "my people" are the students in the Gallatin Valley. i'm praying that i would be burdened for their souls. i'm praying that God would so move in my heart that i would do anything short of sin to create opportunities for these students to encounter Jesus. i'm praying that i too, "would be willing to be forever cursed- cut off from Christ!- if that would save them."
i'm afraid, but i'm also up the challenge. and i believe God will answer my prayer. maybe you could pray it with me.
i can't wait to see what God will do.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
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2 comments:
I know this prayer Chris - thanks for the reminder because I continually need to pray it.
Thanks for being bold...
Just read Rom. 9 this morning. Quite the coincidence or not if you think in terms of God's sovereignty. I pray that we all would have this kind of passion and burden for the lost people around us. That we would love them with God's love to the cross so they can see what a wonderful Savior we have. Thanks Chris for helping us all to pray this very important prayer.
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