“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?” (Romans 9:20)
I read the Bible every single day. I have done so for the last 8 years. I’m neither high minded, spiritual, or special; I just happen to be really good at routine. I only share my personal habit, because – even after years of study – God’s Word will surprise me and shift my paradigms. This past week in preparing a lesson on Romans Chapter 9 for the Open Door Class, I have been floored by the Power of the Word. Specifically, I have come face to face with God’s Sovereignty and His Freedom.
As simple as my ability can attempt to state it, God is consistently and constantly working toward His Ending and He works through His righteous Will. He will not be denied, His entire Creation will stand before Him as either righteous or unknown. This is glorious and wonderful for those who believe upon Christ Jesus. Yet, for those who believe, it is also challenging as He is perfectly free to reject our works and sacrifices which we consider righteous but are not within His Purposes.
Whenever we step outside His Will, we build our own righteousness and loose good understanding of Him. It is God Himself who challenges this and His word is abundantly clear that He desires us to live in such a way that bear fruits worthy of His Kingdom. So, I would like to make a brief statement of intent with this weekly devotion:
May we always understand that it is God who calls. It is the work of Christ which saves. It is the movement of the Spirit that guides. We truly are vassals created for His Purposes. We are to search these Purposes and live in them to the best of our ability through the Spirit’s power. My hope is that this weekly devotion will help each of you think about your role in the Kingdom and how you can grow into it. And go forward.
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