JULY 23, Romans 9:1-3

Paul had “great heaviness and continual sorrow in his heart” for his own people, the Jews. The Jews were the privileged people. They were given the law, the love and protection of God and most of all, Jesus Christ came from the Jewish line! YET, they did not believe in Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Paul wished he would be cursed in order that his people might be saved. What great love he had for his own people, and the salvation of their souls.

What about you? Do you have great concern for the souls of your family and relatives and friends who do not know God?

Li En heard in Sunday School that all had sinned and it was appointed unto men once to die and then judgment. Without Christ, they would end up in hell! She was very troubled. She turned and tossed in her bed and wept for someone dear to her, “God, save my Ah Ma!”

Ah Ma worshipped idols for years. Even Mother could not persuade her to go to church. Li En made up her mind she would try to invite her. Every week, she asked, “Ah Ma, can you go to church with me this Sunday?” “Ai ya, I have to go market”. But Li En did not give up asking. Ah Ma said, “I have to play taiji with my friends… I have to go for dim sum with them…”

This went on for a few years. Li En kept asking but by now, Ah Ma stopped answering because she ran out of excuses.

One Sunday morning, Grandma woke up in a bad mood. She also had a tiff with Grandpa and wanted to get out of the house. She picked up the phone to call Li En, “What time is your church service?”

God rewarded Li En’s perseverance! Ah Ma was welcomed by many people in church. “Will you come again?” they asked. “See first, lah!” was her reply. But the next week, she came again! And again! She was finally baptized and when she died years later, Li En was comforted, because she knew she would see Ah Ma in heaven one day.

Thought: How many of us really pray and cry for the souls of our family, relatives and friends before God?

Prayer: Father in heaven, give me a burden for the souls of my family, relatives and friends, that I may pray and invite them to church. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.