Who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, ‘Why did you make me like this?’” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use? Rom. 9:20-21
Dear heavenly Father, this morning I’m pondering the mystery and mercy of your sovereignty, especially as I consider everything you did to redeem rebels and broken people like me. The cross was no accident. It was you who handed over Jesus to wicked men, who put him to death by nailing him to the cross, all according to your set purpose and foreknowledge (Acts 2:23-24).
Indeed, Jesus’ death for us on the cross was no accident, afterthought, plan B, or redeeming of a good-story-gone-bad. No one could take his life from him; Jesus freely and gladly laid down his life for us. A plan of redemption made before the world began was gloriously and graciously accomplished. The comfort and peace I enjoy from this supreme demonstration of your sovereignty is incomparable and immeasurable.
So Father, as I much as I celebrate and find comfort in your sovereignty seen in Jesus’ cross, why would I, do I struggle with it anywhere else? It makes no sense at all. Why do I want to reverse roles to make me the potter and treat you like malleable clay? Why do I prefer at times to have a Play-Doh or “Gumby god” instead of a sovereign Father?
I don’t have any problem with you setting up and sitting down presidents, premiers, and potentates. But when it comes to things that are limiting, inconvenient, or a contradiction of my sensibilities or plans, sometimes I question your focus, timing and goodness.
Free me from such foolishness and arrogance. You’re always at work for your glory and our good. Nothing goes unnoticed before your throne of grace. There’s no lapse in communication. Wires never get crossed in heaven. You’ve promised to do all things well, not make all things easy.
Father, give me joy in simply being gospel pottery. You’ve placed the incredible treasure of Jesus in this weak jar of clay to prove your all-surpassing power in making all things new. You are the Potter who is redeeming a pan-national family to inhabit the new heaven and new earth. Let me be humble, grateful and content with my place in that story. You truly do all things well. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ most glorious and sovereign name.
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