from July 20
Romans 9:18 "Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden."
Paul is explaining God's sovereignty and how God shows mercy on some and hardens others hearts. This entire chapter makes a great case for predestination and election.
This is kind of a tough passage to read. It makes it sound like God purposely makes people to have hard hearts. He does this to display his power and glory. In fact, Paul practically says this in verses 22-23. I have to wonder where free will exists if at all? Do we have a choice? Are we puppets? Where does evangelism and prayer fit in? These are age old debates and age old questions. I do love that God is quite mysterious though and I don't know everything. The questions and tensions force me to think and question more. This is good.
Dear Jesus, thank you for showing me mercy. Please have mercy on others. Amen
