In his commentary on the book of Isaiah, John Oswald highlights the true nature of idolatry. He explains that when people become consumed by their own needs, they risk turning God into just another idol. If God doesn’t fulfill their desires, they may turn to other idols in search of satisfaction.
When we focus on our own needs, we tend to try to manipulate God. We also attempt to understand Him through our limited perspective, and if He doesn’t meet our expectations, we often complain.
In his argument, Paul once again engages in a dialogue with an imaginary person. This person questions God, wondering whether His actions are truly just.
What then are we to say? Is there injustice on God’s part? By no means!
For he says to Moses,
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
So it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God who shows mercy.
For the scripture says to Pharaoh, “I have raised you up for the very purpose of showing my power in you, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.”
So then he has mercy on whomever he chooses, and he hardens the heart of whomever he chooses (Romans 9.14-18).
Paul could have simply written, “God is God, and you are not,” which would have settled the matter. Instead, he drew on Israel’s history, using the example of Pharaoh to illustrate how God worked to fulfill His purposes. God used Pharaoh to glorify His name and to free the Hebrew children from slavery.
In the broader context of Romans chapters 9-11, Paul explains that God is using the Jewish rejection of the Messiah to open the door for Gentiles to become followers of God.
Neither ancient Israel nor the Gentiles earned their standing before God. Instead, it was God’s love and mercy that reached out to provide a way for them to experience His saving power.
Let God Be God
In several of our YouTube videos, Rudy Ross and I have discussed how I often find myself overly focused on my own needs and desires. I can’t stress enough how much I tend to think about myself.
This self-centered perspective can lead me to treat God like an idol—someone I try to manipulate for my own purposes.
However, through the teachings of the Old Testament prophets, the life of Jesus in the Gospels, and Paul’s writings, God has shown me that the best response is to fully submit my life to Him and allow Him to be the God He desires to be in my life.
Rudy and I are considering a study of the prophet Ezekiel once we finish Romans. I recently began studying Ezekiel and was struck by the profound vision of God presented in the first chapter.
The God we encounter in Ezekiel is one who is fully deserving of our worship and complete devotion. Attempting to manipulate Him to achieve our own desires not only disrespects His glory but is also foolish—how could we possibly think we know better than this God?
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discussed this passage on YouTube. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 