Bad Situations Make the Riches of His Glory Known

Read Romans 9:6-33
Theme: The plan of God for Israel.
Title in NIV: God makes promises to Israel.

God is making the mystery in Rom 16:25 and Colossians 1:26-27 known by explaining to the Jews and Gentiles that their lineage does not make them God's children. Paul explains that  beleif in Jesus is the promise and not your DNA. He who believes in Jesus will be saved not because of works or the right sacrifices, or man's effort (vs. 12 & 16), but on God's mercy.

Vs. 17 Pharaoh was used by God to display His power and that His name might be proclaimed in all the earth.. God hardens hearts for his purpose even if we do not understand. Judas Iscariot was used for a big purpose, don't you agree? I had an interesting thought about people God used. Even Pharaoh and Judas had the chance to repent in the end. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) had the chance to repent and confess before they were struck down. Korah had the chance to repent before he and his family were swollowed up by the earth. God gives us that chance, too. He has mercy on us even if he hardens our hearts for a season for a bigger purpose we do not know.

Vs. 22 talks about objects prepared for destruction to make His purpose known. It says that God shows great patience to them. Vs. 23 explains that bad situations and bad people will happen but they are allowed to make the riches of His glory known to those he has mercy on. I want to be in the group he has mercy on, not in the group he hardens to show others his glory. I know someone who He has hardened. I can see the benefit to that hardening, too. I pray for the situation and am aware of others who may be being used by God for my benefit. For example, I know a lady who is SO negative. That benefits me and I learn a lesson from her: don't be negative!!  I also know a lady who is a terrible gossip. I learn a lesson from her: don't gossip. I know a lady who has treated me terribly. I critique my actions often so I do not treat people badly.  I wonder how one of my bad habits is showing others how 'not' to act. I pray that God shows me anything detestable in me and that I may be able to recognize it and scrap it from my character; replacing it with fruit from the Spirit.

More promises in this chapter are: Gentiles share in salvation; remnant will be saved (those who persist daily in following Jesus and never loose faith; Gentiles receive righteousness by faith; Israel who tries to gain righteousness by law (works) had yet to obtain it.

Vs. 33 "See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who trusts in him will never be put to shame."

My Rock is Jesus Christ who I trust. I pray that I can help others see the Rock before them. God has given me several opportunities lately.

Many blessings to you and yours this season. BUT may every season by filled with opportunities to bless others in faith to snatch those away from the fire (Jude 21).