Thoughts on Romans 9

As I read Romans 9 this morning I was once again made aware of my lack and my desperate need of the Holy Spirit. I read this chapter through the eyes of a Gentile sinner, through a western world view and through a theological lens that is very clouded and limited in perspective. So I share with you out of my desperate attempt to understand what Paul is trying to convey and what the Holy Spirit might have for all of us. Read Romans 9 (Preferably in an easier translation such as the NLT). As you read the text hear the passion that the Apostle Paul has for his Jewish brothers and sisters, God’s chosen people. Abraham, the “father of many nations” or “exalted father” and the foundational focal point of three major world religions; Judaism, Islam and Christianity is referenced by Paul but more so from the standpoint of the ancestral linage via Isaac and then Jacob (Israel).  Being descendants of Abraham doesn’t make them truly Abraham’s children. For the Scriptures say, “Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted,” though Abraham had other children, too. This means that Abraham’s physical descendants are not necessarily children of God. Only the children of the promise are considered to be Abraham’s children. Romans 9:7-8 (NLT)

As you read on you on the theological depth continues and my lack of comprehension begins. Here is what I do know…in theory anyway; God is just and will have mercy on whom He chooses, regardless of the person who wills and the person who tries to work for it. “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” Once again the unanswered "why" questions are asked, (God doesn’t answer why questions). The correct answer: “who am I to question God or to have answers to define Him.” It is the same foolish logic that we see in the latter chapters in the book of Job. V.21, From the same lump of clay a vessel for honor and one for dishonor. I find myself shouting at Paul, “But what about…; And what if…; What you are saying is too much for my little brain to grasp!” Do you want to hear my conclusion, or better my default of ignorance; “I am but His clay for Him to mold and do whatever He chooses with me and I cannot worry or wonder about anyone else.”

Lord this knowledge is too great for me to comprehend. May your words given by your Holy Spirit reveal yourself to me. For I am a vessel of dishonor, a Gentile sinner living in ignorance to your righteous ways and yet your mercy has been bestowed upon me. Lord your mysteries are unsolvable, your ways are unattainable, and your grace is hard to understand. My pride closes the eyes of my heart and makes it difficult to see you and your love for me and others. Help me to know you more, expand my capacity to grasp even an atom size of your glorious truth. Please help me to love others like you love...and may you grant me a heart that sees and feels like yours does. Help me to understand and love your people Israel and to see your plan through that lens.