2026 Pentecost Devotions I
Friday, July 31
Romans 9:1-5
1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience confirms it by the Holy Spirit—2 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 own brothers and sisters, my own flesh and blood. 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 them, according to the flesh, comes the Christ, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen.
“… I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. …”
Have you ever tried to convince someone of something important only to have them reject your plea? That is Paul’s situation. As an Israelite, he loves of the Hebrew people. For years, he has tried to encourage them to become believers in Jesus as the Messiah. Unfortunately, even though he has worked hard, offered proofs, and literally driven himself into ill health, he has not succeeded. Instead, the Israelites have remained steadfast in their rejection of Jesus as Lord.
Sometimes it’s hard to accept that others do not share your enthusiasm for the Lord. Typically, they are either apathetic or hostile – especially the more you try to convince them of their need for faith. This is particularly true of those who are new as believers in Jesus Christ. They are often the most adamant (and annoying).
What I have learned over the years is that it is up to the Holy Spirit to create faith. I can only give witness to the glory of God, the love of Jesus Christ, and the power of the Holy Spirit in my life and the lives of others. Whether another comes to believe is God’s work, not mine. Recognizing this has helped me avoid the pain and sorrow mentioned by Paul in today’s passage.
Prayer: Lord, you know all things. You alone call others to faith. Use me as an instrument of Your grace and a witness to Your glory. Amen.