The Heart and Hurt of God

Romans 9:1 I am speaking the truth in Christ—I am not lying; my conscience bears me witness in the Holy Spirit— 2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh. 4 They are Israelites, and to them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from their race, according to the flesh, is the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever. Amen.

Paul understood the heart of God.  He had seen it in city after city all across the Roman world: when he shared the good news of the Gospel, a few Jews might believe, while many would give him grief and run him out of town.  On the other hand, many Gentiles responded to the Gospel in droves, having a dramatic change in their lives.  Paul was heartbroken: how could his fellow Jews, with all the spiritual advantages they had had throughout their history not respond in repentance and faith. Paul wrestled with that and came to rest in God's sovereignty and His patience.