Read the Word:
Romans 9:6-18
Meditate on the Word:
This is a very uncomfortable passage of scripture. At first reading, it sounds a bit like God has created some people with the intent of sending them to hell with no chance at repentance. This sounds like a terrible motive for a loving God. How do we reconcile a passage like this with 2 Peter 3:9 which states that our Lord is patient, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance? No, Paul and Peter are not contradicting each other, and certainly the Holy Spirit which inspired both scriptures is not contradicting Himself.
Paul’s point to the Romans is clear enough. God has chosen to have mercy on both Jews and Gentiles. And this mercy is not something that we can achieve through our own will or effort. His mercy is His alone to give. We are fortunate to receive it. He has chosen to allow us to come to Him, to be adopted into the household of faith. God does not “owe” anyone mercy. Instead, He freely gives it.
Pray the Word:
Pray for God’s mercy for someone who needs it today.
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