God's Soverignty

Paul's letter so far has been fundamental in reminding us that God is sovereign, and He has the final choice in all things. The letter has explained the "Goslpel" the *Good News* . That by God's own choice he sent his son to earth, to put on flesh as a human, live the perfect life we could not, and be sacrificed in atonment for all our sin.

In this chapter Paul, a Jew - is now wrestling with the truth that the Children of God are the Children of The promise. That in God's sovereign election He choses who is in that group - Paul makes reference to the scriptures, where having not yet being born God speaks of the son's of Rebekah, Jacob and Esau and says

"Jacob I loved, Esau I hated"

The "fairness" Dilema

v14-24 are some verses that many have trouble with, because as humans we like to say things like "well thats not fair" or "how can God not give everyone the same opportunity?" - and it is in these verses that the answer is clear.

It all depends on God's Mercy, he is the creator, he ows us nothing, and that he would even save any of his creation is already incredibly and unimaginably merciful.It is of God's choosing, what He will have us for.

The difference

At the end of the chapter Paul presents the difference of the gentiles (non-jews) who persued righteousness through faith and the Jew who persued it through the law and did not attain it. The difference was that one was looking to do so through works while the other dis so through faith.

Thoughts

How many times have I in my hear felt that I deserved something from God?

How many times have I not said, I serve the Lord he has to come through for me?

How many times have I potentially been rebellious at heart because I don't like what the Bible teaches?

How many times have I demonstrated that I believe I could do better than God, by questioning his sovereignty?

Prayer

Lord, work in my heart for repentance, place humility in me to understand that you alone are sovereign, that you Father have the last word. Allow me to seek you and accept your word as true and decisive.