15For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."
16It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
- P120
22What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? - P121
Paul addresses the question of whether God is unjust, God has mercy onwhom He chooses and hardens whom He chooses. Paul compares God to apotter who has the right to shape clay as he pleases. God bears with patiencethe objects of His wrath and shows His riches to objects of mercy preparedin advance for glory. - P121
As he often does in Romans, Paul anticipates a question and addresses it. Is God unjust because He does not extend His mercy and compassion to all? No, Paul explains. The reality is that none of us deserve His compassion; the wonder is that we experience His mercy at all. Yet, God has initiated and instituted His plans and purposes, inviting us to take part in them. - P122
The example of Pharaoh serves to remind us that God is fully sovereign: The most powerful man in the world who does not even worship Him can be an instrument for the Lord to display His glory. If we keep this example in mind, we will not fret regarding all that is taking place in the world. - P122
Paul addresses those who might question God and His will. He explainsthat a human being talking back to God is like any creation questioning itscreator. A potter has the right to shape a lump of clay as he pleases-he canmake some pottery for special purposes and some for common use. TheLord is far more glorious and knowledgeable than we could ever be, and Hecould pour out His wrath according to His righteous judgments. - P122
However,
His creation may not realize how patient He is being. We are objects ofGod‘s mercy, and we should be grateful for it. May we always recognize thegreatness of our Creator and rejoice in the mercy we have received. - P122
Heavenly Father, I know I deserved Your wrath, and I rejoice in being an object of mercy. Remind me that You are not only in perfect control of my life but also of all that takes place in the universe. In Jesus’ name, amen. - P123
Hallelujah! Because ourGod is covenantal, we can rest assured that all His promises are true, andwe can live with deep confidence that His commitment to us will neverspoil, perish, or fade. - P119
We can endeavor for God‘s glory each day, fully confident that weare contributing to a battle that cannot be lost. May we live as those whoknow the victory that took place before and the fullness of victory that willtake place in due time. - P123
|