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Romans 9:14-18
The Apostle Paul brings back, once again, the questions in which we all ask when given the teachings that Paul has been instructing. In Romans 9:14 (NKJV) Paul asks, “What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God?” And then immediately gives us the answer, “Certainly not!” Paul goes on to use Old Testament Scripture to give us an example of how God chooses a person to fit within His will for this earthly world and of why He might do so. Paul quotes Exodus 33:19 and Exodus 9:16 to show us of how God will harden the heart of one and have mercy on the heart of another. The point here is that Paul wants the Church at Rome (and us today) to understand that it is not what we can or will do to earn God’s favor but God’s ultimate calling/election that is in control.
This is a promise and example that God is in ultimate control of all creation.
We do not always understand why God does or does not do something, but it is not our place to question God’s will for His ultimate plan of salvation for humanity. We are not God and we have to understand that if we disagree with what or how God is doing something, it is not God’s will to do things according to how we desire. God is in control and He knows what is best for us even when we might think otherwise. But trusting in His ultimate plan of salvation brings our faith in Him to points of strength that we might otherwise not reach. We learn in Proverbs 3:5-6,
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own
understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.”
This is God’s desire for us – to draw closer to Him through our trust and faith in Him through Christ Jesus, whom He sent to save us from sin and give us the example that we should strive for each day – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
You choose who You will and You harden who You will to work Your great plan of salvation for all of humanity. We do not always understand what You are doing and why You are doing it; we may even disagree with it for the time being, but we know that You are in ultimate control of our lives and whatever You are doing, we will be able to see in hindsight that You are leading us closer to You and growing our faith in You through our salvation in Your one and only Son, Christ Jesus. Please help us to trust in You in all situations that we may face in this sinful world that we will be blessed for all eternity – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.