God, Is That Fair?
BRD REFLECTIONS
(Lucas Chow, Steward, LCEC)
READ:
OBSERVE:
Romans 9:14-16 – What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For he says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
Romans 9:18 – Therefore God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy, and he hardens whom he wants to harden.
Romans 9:19-21 – One of you will say to me: “Then why does God still blame us? For who is able to resist his will?” But who are you, a human being, to talk back to God? “Shall what is formed say to the one 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 special purposes and some for common use?
Like a child wondering whether the parents are being fair to all their children, sometimes I wonder for a moment whether God is fair? There are so many problems that don’t seem fair to me in our world, such as school and workplace bullying, the gap between the rich and the poor, and the victims of violence and war. Some people suffered greatly in the current pandemic while others are not affected at all. We saw injustice from the news. Our loved ones and friends died prematurely. Why?
APPLY:
I found my answers after reading this chapter over and over again. I may not understand everything that’s happening but I acknowledge that God is sovereign. He decides to whom He will show mercy and compassion. It does not depend on my desire or standard but on His mercy.
While God is sovereign, I take comfort in the following scripture text to know that he is also just. Justice is part of His character:
“He is the rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4, NIV)
“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you.” (Psalm 89:14, NIV)
DO:
I remember God is sovereign and just. And therefore, I submit to Him every hardship and problem that I may face.
PRAY:
Sovereign God, forgive me for asking the question whether you are fair? Who am I to question you? I am grateful that all things are under your control and your character is just. Thank you for your mercies on me. I submit to you every problem and hardship that I may face and trust you totally. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour. Amen.
