Romans 9:19-33
This next portion of scripture starts out with an arrogant question on the part of humanity.
“Why does he (God) still find fault? For who can resist his will?
Again we need to remember who God is and who we are not (see previous post) Who are we to question God? We who are but clay in the Potter's hands.
There is such arrogance in humanity. It's been there since the dawn of creation, actually before creation with the fall of Lucifer. It began at creation when Adam and Eve desired to be like God and choose to disobey and sin. Today I marvel (not in a good way) at the arrogance I see in mankind. How we shake our fists at God and demand our rights as superior creatures. Who is God to say I am worthy of salvation or not. I am worth it because I am superior! (right). But God.....
We see ourselves as all that, but what are we really? Clay. From the ground. Dirt. Mold-able. Fragile. Temporary. We come demanding response. He is there with great patience!
The truth is only God knows who will come to him and who will not. He alone knows those vessels prepared for destruction and those vessels of His mercy. His patience is amazing, allowing the full number of those he called to come in (Romans 11:25; Luke 21:24; Revelation 7:9) He never losses one of those he calls (John 6:39; 10:28; 17:12; 18:9) either. He exudes the greatest of patience and love towards a fallen, egotistical humanity. He will hold out until all he has called has come to him. Not only from his chosen race, but from the Gentiles as well.
Paul concludes the chapter stating that only a remnant of his countrymen will be saved, and not only that but a people who did not pursue righteousness will be saved. That's us!! Paul quotes from the books of Hosea and Isaiah to show this amazing truth. Of course there's always that remnant! God always keeps his promises and he is going to do that for the nation of Israel, but first.....
Those (Jews) who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because unlike the Gentiles they did not pursue it by faith, but stumbled over the Stumbling Stone (Christ), whom God appointed. And those who did not pursue it (righteousness) have attained it. Why? Faith in the One (Christ).
So here we are at the end of Chapter 9 with so much more to understand about our amazing God, and maybe understanding him a smidge better. What it all boils down to is.....
HE ALONE IS GOD!!!!
Are you able to rest in that?
1. Do you often find yourself questioning God or his motives?
2. Do you see how great his mercy is to those who he has “prepared before hand for glory?”
3. Do you also see his “great patience” with the vessels of wrath?
4. God always has a remnant. There is never large numbers, but few. How does that affect your view of the visible church?
5. Are you pursuing a works based faith, missing the mark, or one you firmly cling to, the True Rock?
