The Holy Spirit's Witness - Deep Affection for Our Own People

February 18, 2013 - Romans 9:1-3

9:1		我 在 基 督 裡 說 真 話 、 並 不 謊 言 、 有 我 良 心 被 聖 靈 感 動 、 給 我 作 見 證 ．
9:2		我 是 大 有 憂 愁 、 心 裡 時 常 傷 痛 。
9:3		為 我 弟 兄 、 我 骨 肉 之 親 、 就 是 自 己 被 咒 詛 、 與 基 督 分 離 、 我 也 願 意 。

 ¹ I speak the truth in Christ—I am not lying, my conscience confirms it through the Holy Spirit—² I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. ³ For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my people, those of my own race

Paul was called by God to be an Apostle for the gentiles, focusing his missions ministry outside of Jerusalem and Israel. Nevertheless, his heart was still on the salvation of his own people. God created Paul to be a Jew and Paul's heart never forgot the Jews, his people of his own race. His conscience even confirms through the Holy Spirit that he always has great sorrow and unceasing anguish in his heart as he remembers the plight of Jews in Israel. 

God created me as a Chinese who grew up in Hong Kong, believed in Jesus and called by God to be his servant. My identity as being a Chinese Christian will never change. My Lord, I also pray for my own people, many of them are like sheep without a shepherd, that they really can know You and receive Your grace. My Holy Spirit, continue to speak to me and give me a deep affection, like Paul, to fervently love You and my own people. Give me obedience and also faith to follow after Your leading to serve You though I may not know all the details of my future - just merely knowing that You are present with me.