In Romans 9, Paul wrestles with one of the deepest questions of faith: Why does God choose some and not others? He looks back at Israel’s history—Isaac over Ishmael, Jacob over Esau—and reminds us that God’s purposes are rooted not in human merit but in His sovereign will. For some, this is a comfort. For others, it sounds like the work of a “cosmic manipulator,” pulling strings and deciding outcomes without regard for human freedom.
But Paul’s point is not that God plays favorites. It’s that His plan is bigger, deeper, and more merciful than we can see from our vantage point. The potter-and-clay metaphor isn’t about God smashing vessels in anger; it’s about Him shaping every piece for His purposes—sometimes in ways that only make sense in the light of eternity. Even those who resist Him now are not beyond the reach of His mercy later (Romans 11).
Here’s the takeaway: We don’t always understand God’s methods, but we can always trust His heart. When life feels unfair—when blessings seem uneven or prayers go unanswered—remember that His sovereignty is not about control for control’s sake. It’s about weaving every thread, even the hard ones, into a masterpiece of redemption. Our call is to remain soft clay in the hands of the Master, trusting that His design will one day make perfect sense.
“For from Him and through Him and for Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36)
And that’s the mid-week memo.
