Romans 9:20,21 - Who do you think you are?

9:20

Morris points out that while Paul anticipates questions he often does not answer the question, or at least not in the way that the hypothetical questioner wants it answered. It is an objection we still hear today. If God created us then He is responsible for all that we do. However, the question is not well-posed, to use a mathematical term. We are created beings, if God had not created us we would not exist at all. So to object to God having created us in a certain way is nonsense. We need to recognise who and what we are, which is created beings. We are in no way autonomous. The heart of man’s rebellion is to seek to live without God. It was so in Eden and is still so today. This is the tragedy of the human condition.

The wonder and the glory is that when we finally admit who we are, admit who God is, we find that He actually gives us freedom. We find that His plans for us are more wonderful than we could ever imagine. And we find that we are actually able to far more than we ever imagined, to create and be more than we ever thought possible. We are creatures who have a wonderful creator, if only we would recognise that fact!

9:21

The Jews needed to recognise who God really was, and who they really were. They were not a privileged race, at least in one sense. Or rather they misunderstood their privilege, and we can easily do the same. God had given Israel many blessings, indeed they would not have existed at all if God had not created the nation, just as each one of us would not exist at all if God had not created us. History, as given in the Old Testament, had shown that God could and would do what He liked. The Jews were offended by the idea that God was taking salvation to the Gentiles, while most Jews were being rejected.

Now there are two issues to look at. First of all, God has the absolute right to do things this way if He so chooses. God can work out His plans in any way He chooses. But God choosing is not the only aspect of things. Israel’s unbelief and, conversely, the faith of the Gentiles, is also relevant. I know I have said this several times in looking at the last few verses, and I will probably say it again in the future, but it is so important. God’s decree does not mean we are automatons, mere puppets or playthings in God’s hands. Our actions, attitudes and decisions matter. They are not opposed to God’s plans, they work together with it.