We will look at Romans 10-11 tomorrow.
SCRIPTURE: Romans 9
“It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.” (Romans 9:16)
The key to life is not independence but dependence on God.
A fish may boldly declare ‘I’m free’ as it jumps from the water and flops on the beach.
A plant may attempt to uproot itself from it’s earthen limitations… but they will die.
Who are objects of God’s mercy, but those who sink their roots into His life-giving soil.
Who are objects of God’s wrath, but those who stubbornly reject the water of life.
God has sovereignly determined to let the humble live and the stubborn perish.
We depend on God’s mercy, God’s grace, God’s blessing, God’s power.
Paul’s frustration is that the Hebrews, who were so extremely blessed, refused to accept it.
Paul’s heart breaks (like God’s) for them, but in the end God gives them what they want for themselves.
Are you closing your heart to God’s mercy and love, or are you sincerely seeking it?
That is the difference between the spirit of ‘Jacob’ and the spirit of ‘Esau’.
“There are only two kinds of people in the end: those who say to God, “Thy will be done,” and those to whom God says, in the end, “Thy will be done.” All that are in Hell, choose it. Without that self-choice there could be no Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it. Those who seek find. Those who knock it is opened.” (C.S.Lewis)
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, You are God’s desperate attempt to break the stubbornness of closed hearts. You are the greatest expression of God’s mercy. My heart breaks for those who flop on the beach.