These thoughts are as much for me as they are for anyone who would read this page. I feel that God has nuggets of truth every time we read his word... these are just a few of my thoughts.
Ok, a couple more thoughts on Romans. This time looking at Romans 9: 15-16,21. First lets take a peak at verses 15-16; "15...For He says to Moses, "I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." 16 So then it does not depend on the man who wills or the man who runs, but on God who has mercy."
I have had many discussions with friends surrounding scriptures like these. Why do bad things happen to godly people? or Why did God allow this success to follow a person who does not love Him? It's interesting because it shows that as a flawed vessel, we have a scale of what we feel people deserve or should attain. We look at the world through our lens and surmise that we know what justice is. I'm far from perfect. There are days when I fail miserably in my walk with Christ but, one lesson that I feel God is constantly teaching me is the lesson of scope.
God is teaching me what verse 15 is discussing.... I WILL HAVE MERCY ON WHOM I HAVE MERCY, AND I WILL HAVE COMPASSION ON WHOM I HAVE COMPASSION." Although it is true that we will never truly understand or comprehend God, it is also true that He give us clear clues of His majesty through His word. When my visual scope of life is narrow, and I strictly look at my life's circumstances, I see every injustice in my life but never see the grace and mercy. It seems that I'm always looking at what others are attaining. But when I zoom out and look at life though a panoramic lens, I see a much different picture. I see the grace, mercy, and compassion, all the while the injustice seems much smaller in comparison.
Let me give you a very quick example. When I look at life through the narrow scope and see success in the lives of others, it's very easy for me to look to God and say..."Hey, spread the love! I trying to live my life according to Your word, so where's the reward? I deserve it as much as he does!" But, when I see life through that panoramic lens, I see a much different picture. I see the success in others but, I also see the struggles that families are going through. I see devastated families being torn by financial hardship. I see fathers putting jobs before God and family. I see moms putting on the face of happiness when it feels like the world is collapsing around them. The take away for me is this: Sure God could give me the success of some but, I could also get the struggles that others have received. When I look through that panoramic scope... I count myself blessed and thank God for what He has chosen to do in my life.
Lets quickly, look at verse 21.... " 21 Or does not the potter have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel for honorable use and another for common use?" I absolutely love this scripture because it shows the greatness of God and the plans that he has for us. When I look at my life, I never really know what plans God has for me. I don't think that I'll ever really understand if I'm meant for an "honorable use" or just a "common use" but what I do know is this; what ever plans God has for me, greatness can come out of it. But how can anything great come out of an average guy like me? Let's put it this way.... Steve Jobs founded Apple computers in 1986 and built the company into the powerhouse that it is today. Early in Apples development he left Apple and the company almost went out of business. Apple brought him back and he rescued the company. Apple is a true American success story. I'm here to tell you that I'll never (at least I don't think so) be like Steve Jobs. Or Billy Graham. Or Bill Gates. Or Chuck Swindoll. These men have held "honorable" positions and have single-handedly touched the lives of millions.
But how does greatness come from something as common as you and me? Well... you may be a welder, plumber, contractor, construction worker, accountant, architect, or you may be a interior designer, carpet layer, landscaper or concrete worker. And while it may seem that nothing "honorable" can come from these folks. The beauty is when you put all that commonality together, and they put their talents together. You can get something spectacular.... you get Fenway! My thought is this.... Even if you have a common purpose, don't think for a moment that God will not use your talents along with others for a tremendous purpose. Never diminish what God can do in your life. Whether is a Honorable or Common purpose.... the outcome can be great!
Dude, thanks for the write up, I have asked these same questions without to many answers, so now I have some more things to ponder.
The only misstep in your writing is the Fenway reference. As you can tell I am not a BoSox fan, nor will I ever be. Now if you want to take a look at a historically awesome ballpark, take a look at "The House That Ruth Built"...:-)
Posted by: Doug Heim | June 24, 2008 at 07:19 AM