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Show REVIVAL DESIRE "Brethren, to God for saved. " my heart's desire and prayer Israel is that they might be. (Romans 10: 1) Genesis 7: 24-"And the waters .. prevailed on the earth one hundred and fifty days." It speaks of God's purging the earth after it rained forty days and forty night. Happy 150 anniversary Zion. May God use this year to purge you for growth and fruitfulness.L.,rd. d. " l,.4tl\. a: IS-/h I B : !lI-;). I KI'N o:... i c.L Oh6 Y1. *.. '" 1o,.); - of--{.,.,+iery .. IvM ye kdwU-,v ..f.wo This text written (I'" etf,l.s/ loiS 1-/fJI"' -B...... I by the Apostle • :f ,..l."J- he- bod, Paul raises what may well be the most serious concern of all--SALVATION. It is the desire of Christians at Rome for the children of Israel. "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved." This book is 1 often known for the Roman Road. For in chapter 1, Paul urged the believers to live by faith and don't be ashamed of the good news. In chapter 2, he reminds them that hypocrisy has no place in the house of God. Then in chapter 3, God is faithful and just. In chapter 4, we are justified by faith. The grace of God is abundant according to chapter 5. Since we have changed, we are to walk daily in newness of life. Chapter 7,8, and 9 reminds us that while we still struggle against sin, we overcome when led by the Spirit, for God is a merciful God. Here in this text the Apostle is deeply concerned about those who ought to be but are not saved. "Brethren, my heart's desire to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. Eugene Peterson in The " 2 Message put it, "Believe me, friends, all I want for Israel is what's best for Israel: salvation, nothing less. I want it with all my heart and pray to God for it all the time. " Notice that his is addressed to the "Brethren." Not to the world about them but to the brethren. The brethren because relationship ought to be concerned about those around them ·They ought to of our .. have a heart that is warmed with love and by best wishes. It is about compassion, forgiveness, and encouragement. Here Paul is the example and what a joyful experience to have his driven fellow believers to follow. The desire of the heart is the greatest of all desires. It comes from inside and causes one to want or crave even 3 the unimaginable. a burning urge unfulfilled and in It is like or need that left great pain can cause some cases hunger or thirst, death. It or means hurt to well, highly appropriate, to find the good. It is to long for with great think expectations. The problem is that the children of Israel are doing things exactly the wrong way, backward. They have azeal of God based on ignorance. They are energetic but direct in the downward road. They miss the truth that salvation is God's business and work. We may be the instrument used by God but until God nobody shows up. It is such a serious matter that the Apostle prays for draws , God to do His work among these people. So Paul says, "Brethren, my heart's 4 desire and prayer to God for Israel is that hey might be saved. " 5 |
