Paul in Chapter 9 of Romans continues and seems to anticipate an accusation of unfairness against God. Remember how last week we dealt with the long list of theological terms: predestined, called, and justified? God had a master plan determined before time about what he was creating. His dream, his design for his creation was that the beings created would reflect his image, would therefore have free will to choose relationship in response to their faith. Paul is now showing how God makes obvious his plan by blessing those who are less likely and humbling those whom we might consider deserving. Salvation is a gift of faith. Paul points out that Abraham, the starting point of many people, responded in faith. God foretells that twin #2, Jacob, would be blessed, and Pharaoh who thought he was God would be humbled. If we look at the genealogy we see a list of deeply flawed people who trusted God. David was an adulterer and murderer, Rehab a harlot, Ruth a foreigner and many more flawed people, sinners that are in the family line of Joseph and Mary, the parents of Jesus. All this Paul posits is to magnify the mercy of God to give hope to the humble and to humble the proud. It is possible for a person to cry, “Unfair,” if that person wants to win the game of life without following the guidelines but we must realize we are arguing with the God of the universe who gave us free will. Our struggles with God draw us into interaction with him and are designed to draw us closer, ultimately.
So as we reflect today, we might ask if there is some area where we feel life is unfair. Perhaps it is with our body type, our political powers in government, or a medical diagnosis we just received. Addictions are another major area. It is so easy to develop a victim mentality. Let us take our own issue to God in prayer and one of the major issues facing our world today. May God be glorified in our struggle.
On the Way to Wonder 