Romans 9:19-20, Why Question God?
Romans 9:19-20 (KJV) 19 Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will? 20 Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus?
The Apostle Paul is seeking to quell the spirit of unrest, that discontented spirit to question the justice of God. Out of the imperfections of sin and unbelief came the fulfilling of God’s promises to bring forth the Saviour Jesus Christ from the loins of Israel. Although the Jews have largely rejected their Messiah, God’s promise of salvation through the seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15) is fulfilled in the fullness of time. God allows within the Jewish people those who would reject their Christ, perishing in sin and unbelief.
The Apostle Paul is saying to the critics questioning God referred to as “thou” in verse 19 and the fallen “man” in verse 20. He informs them that God knows who the rebels are and how they turn out as those who rejected His grace. Nevertheless, they were instruments that fulfilled His purpose. He is the Maker. Does He not have a sovereign choice by virtue of being the Maker?
This story of rebels amongst God’s people in each generation is not new. When Israel came out of the wilderness, a whole generation after the age of twenty perished in the wilderness because of their unbelief. They refused God’s promises to enter the Promised Land. When Jesus came into human history born to the virgin Mary, He was rejected by His generation who chose to crucify Him. Jesus witnessed to them in Person, there is no greater privilege than those who lived in Christ’s generation, yet they spurned His grace. It is sad.
It is humbling to know that there are those whom we will witness to who would ultimately reject God’s way of salvation through His Son Jesus Christ. We need to be at peace to submit to the truth that salvation is of the Lord. Nevertheless, we are to do our part in sharing the gospel. May God bless this new day for His glory. Amen.
We have to admit why did do what He did, we may never know. But there was guiding thoughts that can help us to understand the mind of God.