Romans 9:15–21 (ESV) —
15 For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” 16 So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. 17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.” 18 So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.
19 You will say to me then, “Why does he still find fault? For who can resist his will?” 20 But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?
NOTE: Verses 19-21 are really a logical argument. God does not have to do anything according to the way we think. He did not have to create us. He did not have to give us mercy. Therefore what difference does it make? But to each person who hears the message, their use of the argument falls flat on its face. "You" have heard the gospel and have either rejected or accepted it. You can argue until you are blue in the face about others, but you have had the chance to accept Jesus as your savior. If you refuse to believe, then it really does not matter how God dealt with Pharaoh. The point is (and it is not easy to grasp) that God has granted men free will and God has predetermined men. How does that fit together? God's mind is infinite and the fact that my finite and very small brain cannot understand it, does not make it illogical or untrue.
PONDER:
- Have you heard how Jesus died on the cross for you, was buried, and rose again for the dead?
- Do you know that is the gospel and that you must respond to that gospel?
PRAYER: Father, thank you for the opportunity to hear the message. My life has been changed because of that moment in time. Thank you.
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