February 11, 2008 Romans 9:20

02/11/2008

Romans 9:20 - 21 (HCSB)

²⁰But who are you—anyone who talks back to God? Will what is formed say to the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?” ²¹Or has the potter no right over His clay, to make from the same lump one piece of pottery for honor and another for dishonor?

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to be destined for success while others always remain at the bottom? Have you ever wondered why you can’t seem to rise in prestige despite your best efforts? Even if we take these questions into the spiritual world, there still seems to be those whose ministry is blessed and some who serve continually in meager settings.

Paul states the answer very well here. In the time when Paul wrote these things, so many things were made from fired earthenware. Of course, some bowls and utensils would be used for serving guests at special occasions, and some vessels would be used for human excrement.

Although the latter vessels were considered “common” or even repulsive, does that make them any less important? Imagine your life if there were suddenly no toilets (or indoor plumbing)? How important is that porcelain fixture to you now? Many of us are repulsed at the idea of a public toilet and take precautions to avoid touching it. But if it were gone, we suddenly realize how necessary and integral it is to our lives.

The fact that some of us are made for high or “honorable” positions and some of us for lower or “dishonorable” purposes does not diminish the fact that all of us are called for a purpose and our faithful diligence at that purpose is essential to the proper workings of the entire plan.

We have no right, as created beings, to say to our creator: “why have you made me this way?” Rather, we should give thanks to God and honor him that He chose to use us in His plan at all.

Can you consider your situation and give thanks and glory to God that He chose to use you where you are? Seek His purpose in your life – where you are now – and honor Him in all things.

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