QUESTIONING GOD
Denise Linton
Today’s Scripture: “But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, 'Why have you made me like this?' Has the potter no right over the clay, to make out of the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for dishonorable use?” Romans 9:20-21, ESV
Theme: While God often mercifully entertains our questions, do we really expect the Creator to explain Himself to us?
BAD PEOPLE GO TO HEAVEN
Popular human thought is that there is a good place where good people go when they die and a bad place where bad people go. This implies that we can earn our way to Heaven. Going back to what Paul stated earlier in Romans, it is not by works; it is by His grace, mercy and the blood of Jesus Christ. We are all bad, but the Good News is we still have the opportunity go to heaven.
One of the saddest things for me to hear is when someone who is not a professing Christian dies while saving the lives of others. It is hard to accept that this person will likely not inherit eternal life, despite this selfless act. While this is hard to wrap our minds around, as it goes against what we think is right and fair, we must consider that our concerns may be because of our limited perspective of God. He is the potter, the Creator of all things. “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord” (Isiah 55:8, ESV). How can the mold question the molder and creator?
In Romans 9, Paul explains that even though Israel is God’s chosen nation, he knows they will not inherit eternity without going through Jesus Christ, even if they follow every law and are “good” people. The most beautiful clay pots can still be useless - because of cracks, holes, or contamination - compared to the pots that are battered or warped, but still serve a purpose.
DESPERATION TO REDEMPTIOIN
While visiting San Francisco and the infamous Alcatraz prison, I came across a book that sparked my interest. It is written by a man named John Quillen, who was an inmate at the prison from 1942-1952. Although the main title, Alcatraz from Inside, caught my eye, it was the smaller print on the book that was the real draw: “One Man’s Climb from Desperation to Redemption.” I found it interesting that I am in the middle of reading about this man’s story at the same time I am writing devotions about Romans 9. I do not believe in coincidence, but in God’s appointments and timing.
This man, who engaged in deplorable actions that led to his imprisonment at the most restrictive prison in our country, still found his way to God and forgiveness. This is how God treats prisoners and sinners. Is that fair of God? This is much like the question Paul imagines that his readers are asking and states in Romans 9:20-21, where he compares God to a potter. There is another scripture, Jeremiah 18:4-6: “But the post he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands, so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.” God had a purpose for John Quillen’s redemption, despite the marred actions that came before.
Make It Personal: Do you also wonder why God made you “this way”? Do you question why He allowed bad things to happen to you? When we struggle with God’s authority, we are in good company. God mercifully entertains our questions and patiently reminds us of our proper place in the universe as He did for Job. Job went through major trials and yet He was not permitted remain in question of God’s authority. “Where were you when I laid the Earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand” (Job 38:4, NIVUK). We may not always understand but we serve a God who does, and He is good.
Pray: Father God, I acknowledge that You are the potter and I am merely the clay. Thank You that I can know that You are good, and help me to lean on that truth, even when I don’t understand. In Your Name, Amen.
Read: Romans 9
Weekly Memory Verse: “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9, ESV