Most of us care deeply about those closest to us. We pray often, perhaps daily for these few for whom we feel such love. But who cares enough to identify deeply with and pray seriously for a nation or a people group?
Moses did. When the people of Israel rejected God and turned to idolatry, God was prepared to destroy them. But Moses steps between in intercession. Though the Israelites had criticized and rebelled against him several times, he cares deeply for them. Worried that they might be destroyed Moses says: "But now please forgive their sin - but it not, then blot me out of the book you have written." Wow! In effect he is saying, "I care enough and identify with my people so much, that if you God reject them, then reject me too. Exodus 32:30 - 34
Paul did. He had been badly treated by his Jewish people who felt he was a traitor to Judaism since He claimed Jesus as Messiah. Yet he continued to love them deeply. He writes: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel." Romans 9:3, 4 Whew! Those are strong words. No wonder that in every new city Paul visited, he would first go to the Synagogue to share the Good News of Jesu
I know Christians who feel this kind of deep identity with and deep concern for a certain people group. Sometimes it is their own country or their ethnic group. Sometimes it is a country or people to which they feel God has called them. Sometimes it is for a people they have never met. Yet always this deep concern moves them to pray seriously and often.
I am thankful for those I have met who for years have cared deeply and prayed often for the people of Vietnam. Some have lived here. Others have never visited yet long to see many more Vietnamese come to faith. Would you let God stir your heart to care deeply enough to pray seriously and often for at least one nation or people group - for their spiritual needs and physical needs; for their leaders and their churches?
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