Today’s scripture: Romans 9:6-18 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Sue Robinson):
The doctrine of election is a hard concept to understand. Some people think God decided from the beginning of time who would be saved and who would be lost. Some of these words seem to substantiate that. Verse 15 says “I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy and compassion on whomever I will have compassion”. In that case, is there any need for us to seek the Lord and work through our own feelings and beliefs? What if we are one of the ones not called by God?
I always compare how I would treat my children. Would I set one or the other up for failure without them having a chance to make right choices? That doesn’t sound fair or just and I doubt that a loving God would do that either. After all, God’s ways are far greater than mine!
I think God is saying that just because you are born into a believing family or, in contrast, a non-believing family, doesn’t seal your spiritual fate. God says just because the descendants of Abraham were born into this lineage, they were not all promised the blessings. It still is a personal responsibility.
God’s will is for ALL to be chosen. God has chosen all of us. What we do with this is up to us.
Prayer for the day: Lord, I am so thankful that you chose me from the beginning of time and called me to Yourself. What an amazing gift! Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.