Remember your covenant faithfulness

They are children of Israel. 

Why did Paul pray for the Jewish people so earnestly?

For starters, he knew how special the nation of Israel is to God.   Beginning with Abraham, God promised them a future as his chosen people among the nations.   He liberated them from slavery, gave them the Law, and provided a land for them.   Time and again, he sent prophets to remind Israel of their unique relationship with him.   He even gave them the Messiah—his own Son, who was born into a Jewish family.

Paul also saw that the grace God funneled into Israel was meant to flow out to the nations.   Through the Jews, the entire world can observe truth about God: God is one.   He is faithful.   He is rich in kindness and abounding in mercy.   He is calling everyone to his side.

Finally, Paul was Jewish himself.   When he looked at the people of Israel, he saw his own father and mother, who raised him in the faith.   He saw neighbors who worshipped at the synagogue with him.   He saw heroes like Abraham, Elijah, and Jeremiah as his own ancestors.   No wonder he cared so much for the Jewish people!

What about us?   We know that God still holds the Jewish people in a special place in his heart.   We know that his gifts and his calling are “irrevocable” .   Like the nations surrounding ancient Israel, we have been warmed by their light and blessed by the Scriptures entrusted to them.   Like Paul, we recognize in the “children of Israel” our forerunners in faith, brothers and sisters who have persevered over the centuries.

So let’s pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters today.   Let’s pray that the children of Abraham will come to know God, the “Mighty One of Jacob,” as their Savior and Redeemer .   Let’s also pray that God will pour out his Holy Spirit on the entire “house of Israel” so that they will be empowered to walk in the light of his love .   And let’s pray for the “peace of Jerusalem” .   Let’s pray that a peaceful resolution will be reached in the holy city and that this will become a light shining out to the nations.

word among us