burdened

Romans 9:1-18

Paul lists the "credits" of Israel and laments that they have not accept Jesus as the Messiah. The key theme of the passage is election and promise. Underlying it all is the glory of God. I know that I don't have the same burden that Paul has for the lost. Paul goes so far as to say that he would trade places with them: that he would be willing to be cut off from Christ if it would mean that his fellow Jews would submit to his right to rule. I am not willing to be uncomfortable for the sake of the gospel. God, please give me your heart for the lost of the city of Lethbridge. Help me to understand the seriousness of their situation. Don't let me ever tire of my efforts and prayers for them.
Paul goes on to say that God has ordained and elected certain people to respond to the gospel. This doesn't break the promise of God to Abraham but fulfills it. Paul declares that God's choosing is not unjust because God is being true to his character by having mercy on whom he wants to and hardening those whom he wants to harden. I believe, because I have been so indoctrinated by Piper through Sid, that God has in mind here his own glory and so he pours mercy on some for his glory and he hardens others for his glory. I agree with Paul (although it makes God seem completely self-absorbed which I think is only bad if you are human) that this does not make God unjust because God is being true to his character and God defines justice.