Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved. (Romans 10:1, ESV)
The desire to get better at golf is shared by everyone who has ever played the game. We go to great lengths to improve. From lessons and videos to long practice sessions and equipment changes, we possess a hunger to do whatever it takes to become more accomplished golfers.
The most common action taken in the pursuit of improvement is changing equipment. We’ve all done it—found the “it” club that promises longer drives, fewer three-putts, better bunker shots, and more consistently good shots overall.
It seems that every few years, a new “it” club comes out. Most golf club enthusiasts will point back to the PING Eye 2 as the club that started the “I’ve got to have it” phenomenon.
A golf club fitted to your height and build was transformational in 1982. Since then, the “it” clubs have included the TaylorMade Pittsburgh Persimmon Burner Driver, Callaway Big Berthas, Adams Tight Lies Fairway Woods, Orlimar TriMetal Woods, and, most recently, L.A.B. Golf putters. Which club would you add to the list?
We will often spend whatever amount is necessary on the newest club, hoping it will make the difference. It is important to us. In fact, many things are important to us. Is sharing with others what Jesus has done for you one of the most important things in your life?
In Romans 9, the apostle Paul has just walked his readers through the fact that, when it comes to salvation, faith in Jesus is more important than obedience to the law. Gentiles are included, while some unbelieving Jews are not.
He has expressed his deep desire for many of his fellow Jews to come to Christ, knowing that many in Israel had rejected Jesus as the Messiah (9:1–4). In Romans 10:1, he speaks out of “great sorrow and unceasing anguish” (9:2): “Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for them is that they may be saved.”
He states that even though they are zealous for God, they are not saved (10:2). You read that correctly. Someone can be zealous for God and still not be saved from sin and its consequences.
His desire and prayer to God was that those who were looking to their own righteousness for salvation would turn to God and receive His gift of righteousness through faith in Christ.
Most of us would share Paul’s longing for our friends and loved ones to look to Jesus and His righteousness for their salvation. We pray and plead for this. Yet we must ask ourselves, “Am I willing to do whatever it takes for those in my circle of influence to be saved?”
Paul certainly said he was in Romans 9:3: “For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen.”
This is strong language. Paul was willing to be considered separated from Christ if it meant that his loved ones would come to faith. Wow. Whatever it takes, indeed.
Are you willing to do whatever it takes so that those close to you might believe in the Lord Jesus and be saved (Acts 16:31)? The “its” are unlimited.
The key for us is a willingness to obey the Lord (see 2 Corinthians 5:20; 1 Peter 3:15; Romans 10:14–15) and to be faithful to His command to share the Good News (Mark 16:15).
Prayer: Father, give me Paul’s urgency and desire to talk to my friends and family about Jesus. Amen.