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God's Choices

Romans 9:10-15
Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad – in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls – she was told, ‘The older will serve the younger.’ Just as it is written: ‘Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.’ What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ (NIVUK)

It should be obvious, but because God is so much greater than us in every way, it should not surprise us that we cannot fully understand all He does or why He does it.  In the same way that small children have no real understanding of global economics, but they trust food and clothing will be provided, so we do not need to grasp how God is bringing all things together for our good (Romans 8:28) under Christ (Ephesians 1:10).

These verses may seem strange to us.  But they follow on from Romans 9:5 describing God’s ancient people, the Jews … “Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the Messiah, who is God over all, for ever praised! Amen.”  Paul is writing about God’s choices in selecting those who would be in the line of human descent leading to the Lord Jesus Christ.  Of Abraham’s two sons, only one, Isaac, was promised to be an ancestor of Jesus (Romans 9:6-9).  In today’s verses, Isaac’s sons Esau and Jacob are in the spotlight.  It was God’s miracle that they were conceived and He had promised that the younger one, Jacob, would participate in the relay of faith (Genesis 25:21-23).  

But, some say, is it not unfair for God to choose one person to be in His plan and reject another?  God has the right to give whatever He wants to whoever He chooses - because He is God.  His choice does not depend on our goodness or badness, only His decision.  And He is 100% right about everything He does: love or hate.  Out of a huge family tree, God chose one small line of trusting people to be the human forerunners of our Lord Jesus Christ, which meant that all the others were excluded.  However, since Jesus, everybody who believes in Him will be saved (John 3:16) ... so even those who were not in Jesus' human family tree, can be included in His future spiritual family.  

Israel was supposed to be the showcase of God's truth and light to the world (Isaiah 49:6): but they failed.  However, some were also the human ancestors of Jesus: and He did not fail to be the light of the world (John 8:12).  Yet the Jews in Rome still thought it was their religious background that made them special to God.  Wrong!  They needed Jesus, and Jesus alone.  So do we!  No amount of religious knowledge or pious ritual can save us if we have not received Jesus personally.  Even pagan sinners are not barred from God if they welcome Jesus.  If you know Him, you can introduce anybody to Him ... whatever their religious background ... because God chooses that whoever receives Jesus will be given the right to be in His family (John 1:12 & www.crosscheck.org.uk).

Prayer 
Gracious God. Thank You for always being right and wise and true and just. Thank You that You know what You are doing, and why You make Your choices. Forgive me for the sin of judging You or believing that You are unfair. Please help me to see all Your purposes coming together in Jesus Christ. May I find my true place in Him, and in His body, the church. Help me to introduce others to Him and work with You so that Your kingdom will come. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
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© Dr Paul Adams