The Enigma of the Chosen

“.....when Rebekah had conceived children by one man, our forefather Isaac, though they were not yet born and had done nothing either good or bad—in order that God's purpose of election might continue, not because of works but because of him who calls...” (Romans 9:10-11)

One was chosen, one was not.

What are we to think?

1. It confounds our American 21st century idea of justice

2. It confounds our feelings about inclusion

3. It stretches our faith

4. It reinforces the unilateral, sovereignty of God

5. It reminds us that grace is rooted in mercy

6. It reaffirms the original story of our rebellion.

7. It causes us to anticipate the conclusion.

8. It causes us to reaffirm every morning with the prophet that, “His mercies are new every morning.”

There are reasonable answers to every one of the points above. I say reasonable, not necessarily comforting to each and every citizen of the world.

It is good from time to time, to just sit quietly and ponder the passage cited and the points I have listed. Allow the sovereignty of God to pour over us! Measure what it means in our daily lives.