God Rules the World: Discover Hope, Strength, and Joy in His Power
- Jack Selcher
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
A church misprinted a hymn’s title in the bulletin—"Hallelujah, the Lord God Omnipotent Resigneth.” As we look at our world, we might wonder if it is so.
It is not. God is the Creator, Owner, and Ruler of everything. History follows His predetermined course.
Paul’s face turns red at the thought that God is unfair. He says people are not qualified to pass judgment on God’s decisions.
He refers to Exodus 33:19. It reveals that God chooses His objects of mercy and compassion. His choice does not depend on human desire or effort, as a mother’s love does not depend on her child’s worthiness.
God sovereignly placed the arrogant Pharaoh in a position where his stubborn disobedience would bring his downfall. It magnifies God’s glory throughout the earth.
Even Rahab in Jericho knew God had delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt (Joshua 2:9–10). Consistent with Romans 1, God abandons those who reject His revelation of Himself in nature, history, and miracles.
As a result, they indulge in ever greater excesses of sin and experience their consequences. Sinners prepare themselves for judgment. God prepares people for glory.
If people cannot resist God’s sovereign will, should He blame them for their behavior? Is evil and suffering God’s fault? Is God’s choice of some and not others unfair?
No. God is just. He does what is right (Genesis 18:25). Yet sometimes it does not seem like it.
Our fairness meter is broken. How so? God thinks it is fair for the innocent Christ to pay the death penalty for sin for guilty humankind.
Earthly courts do not work that way. But we do not want God to withdraw His “unfair” offer of salvation.
Paul illustrates that the creature should not talk back to God. The potter uses clay to make all kinds of vessels.
Some are beautiful decorative pieces. Others are not attractive but are essential for daily living.
An admirable vessel might be someone attractive, intelligent, and athletic. There is no room for pride. God expects ten-talent production from ten-talent people.
We do not understand God’s choices, but we can trust that Jesus perfectly reveals God’s character. God is kind beyond measure, but we cannot control Him. It is foolish to ignore or defy Him.
God is not responsible for human sinfulness. Objects of wrath are those whose behavior deteriorates despite their knowledge and conscience.
Paul applied it to those who stubbornly opposed the gospel. Objects of mercy are those whom God wills to show the riches of His glory.
Just because God does not reveal why He chooses some and not others does not make Him unjust. He sovereignly dispenses life-giving grace.
He rescues and adopts us to know the riches of His glory. We are not orphans. We are the adopted children of a sovereign King! What is your takeaway?
See additional free spiritual growth resources for Christians.
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