Romans 9. Part II: Paradox of God's patience

Paradox of God’s patience

Text: Roman 9:19-33

After two examples of Jacob vs. Esau and Moses vs. Pharoah, St. Paul asks a question about God’s will and determination v. 19

If everything is pre-determined, why is it their (Esau’ and Pharoah’) fault?

Two answers:

(a) Potter has authority over any vessel of his making, vv. 20-21, but it should be read in the context of God desire to show His … mercy bearing the vessels of wrath with patience – reason being that people being called not from the Jews only, but also from Gentiles

Supported by three quotes:

Hosea 1:10 – return of His mercy after the prophet’s sad personal example.

Isaiah 10:22-23 – the remnant is going to be saved, in the presence of many numerous Israel – as the sand of the sea.

Isaiah 1:9 – Lord gave the offspring – the Messiah – for the delivery of Israel, overwise they would be doomed.

All three quotes are given as a description of His mercy, while judgement is coming. Yet, the judgement is not the point, the point is God’s glory and mercy.

(b) righteousness by works over the righteousness by faith.

The faith is the key for the understanding of God’s conundrum of wrath vs. mercy, see John 3:16-18. Condemnation is not a result of God’s choice or election, but faith vs. lack of believing of people.

Israelites have stumbled with all the gifts of God were at their disposal – see 9:4-5, as prophesied by Isaiah 28:16 – stone of stumbling, in relation to it/Him people will have either offence vs. no be put shame.

LENT: EXODUS 11

Lenten devotions: Exodus 11 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

This is the first out of three chapters when we get into the first Passover narrative. There is an announcement of one more plague in chapter 11 (see the previous devotion when we discussed the number of plagues). Then chapter 12 tells us of the execution of the Passover, and chapter 13 concludes the story by consecration of the Firstborn. So, let’s dive into the text.

By this time Moses had great respect in the eyes of everyone but pharaoh – his pride blinded him, his understanding became dull, and the heart got really hardened. Plague after plague the LORD showed His might and His mercy – for after awhile YHWH would also pull back and restrain Himself. There is a reason why we proclaim that “His mercy endures forever” (see Psalm 136). Even here we should notice that God first gives a final chance to the pharaoh, sending His servant Moses to announce His plans.

He is not a thief, who sets an ambush and attacks in the dark. He warned, He appealed and called back to repentance… All the words of Moses fell on deaf ears. This is very sad when people are pushing back, rejecting the will of the LORD, and then complaining about their circumstance.

LENT: EXODUS 8

Lenten devotions: Exodus 8 

(please read the chapter before reading this devotion).

Chapter 8 tells us 2^nd, 3^rd, and 4^th plagues. Frogs, gnats, flies. There is an interesting progression – from water (the first plague) to frogs (who come from water), then a bit higher – to gnats, then to flies (level up). Spoiler alert – the LORD will destroy the whole religious system of Egypt. Beginning with Nile – one of the basic gods of Egypt. Ending up with the Sun – the “top” deity of the land. Step by step, the LORD will show His superiority.

What I would like to point out is the fact that the release of pressure on the authorities and the land leads to hardening of the pharaoh’s heart. He is not thankful for a deliverance, his doesn’t consider the audacity of the futile resistance to God… Every time Moses and Aaron announce a withdrawal of a plague, he doubles down…

LENT: Exodus 1

 Lenten devotions: Exodus 1 (please read the chapter before reading this devotion)

Today we are entering the time of Lent. There are many things that can be said about this, so I decided to do something ir-regular. The time of Lent is 40 days, so I thought why won’t we go through a book of the Bible that has 40 chapters, taking one chapter a day as a source of devotional meditation. So, here we are, the first chapter.

The first chapter of Exodus begins with a great statement concerning Israel, and almost immediate escalation of tension between the Egyptian rulers and the sons of Jacob. God blessed people of Israel abundantly: Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them (Exodus 1:6-7). As a response pharaoh at first came up with a tough plan, attempting to suppress them, but it didn’t help – “the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied” (Exodus 1:12). Then pharaoh came up with a wicked plan – murdering the newly born baby boys (Exodus 1:15-16). Sad times…

Romans: Israel and God's mercy

 Israel and GOD’S MERCY

Structure:

a. 9:1-5, They are Israelites

  b. 9:6-13, God’s plan might continue

    c. 9:14, What then are we to say?

      d. 9:15-16, I will show mercy to whom I will 

      d’. 9:17-18, He has mercy upon whom He will

    c’. 9:19, You will say to me then?

  b’. 9:20-23, does the potter have control

a’. 9:24-29, Israelites – in numbers vs. saved.

Text: 9:1-18 

The benefits of Israel, to them belong:

1. adoption

2. glory

3. covenant

4. Giving of the Law/Torah

5. worship

6. promises

7. patriarchs

8. Messiah/Christ

True children – through Isaac, through Jacob:

Promise to Abraham, promise to Rebekah vs. the results of these promises more than 1000 years later – v.13 “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

Mercy and compassion of God does not depend on human will or exertion (9:16; cp. Eph. 2:8-9).   

Pharaoh’s case – God raised him to glorify His name (after Pharaoh rejected the will of God numerus times).