Romans 9:14-29

This passage discusses God's immense power and sovereignty. At first glance, God, as described here, sounded like a tyrant. "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." (v.15) and "God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden." (v.18) This tone of "it is because I said so" reminded me of the Ant Bully and a bossy older sister mixed. (Not that my sister is or was ever was bossy)

I'd been focusing too much on what He had done rather than what He didn't do, which is just as important. I recently read the Hunger Games (which you must read over the summer), which is a post-apocalyptic novel. The government (referred to as the Capitol) of the nation of Panem tries to maintain peace and order after the Apocalypse. The way they set out to achieve "peace" is by suppressing the nation and depriving them of basic necessities to prevent rebellion (and for other selfish reasons). The Capitol exercised their power keep their nation weak and under their control. Breaking the law, even trivialities, resulted in public whippings or a gunshot to the head. There are also the annual Hunger Games where each district (there are 12) are required to send 2 representatives (male & female) to an arena for a fight to the death. This was done to remind the citizens of Panem that they were under the mercy of the Capitol.

Both the Capitol and God are in the position of authority, but the difference is how they use their power. The Capitol abused it and tweaked the government system to benefit themselves, while God worked out a plan for Jesus to come and save us. God had the power to treat us like how the Capitol treated Panem, but instead, He chose to be merciful and loved us enough to be humiliated, denied and killed by us.

 So how could I ever think He was a tyrant? I misunderstood v.15 and v.18. It's not that God picks and chooses who He would like to save, these people have already turned away from God. It is also important to remember that it's all part of His plan and that "He works all things together for the good of those who love Him" (Rm. 8:28). And though He may love all the people that turn away from Him, we must realize that we're in a war. And in a war, there will be casualties. (This is for JW)

But His grace, indeed, extends to all who believe. (v.25)

Oh, Christ my King of sympathy
Whose wounds secure my peace
Your grace extends to call me friend
Your mercy sets me free

And I know I'm weak
I know I'm unworthy to call upon Your name
But because of grace, because of Your mercy
I stand here unashamed

I can't explain this kind of love
I'm humbled and amazed
That You'd come down
From heavens heights
And greet me face to face

-Unashamed by Starfield

Sonia