Scripture
21 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?
22 What if God, although choosing to show his wrath and make his power known, bore with great patience the objects of his wrath—prepared for destruction? 23 What if he did this to make the riches of his glory known to the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory—
Reflection
In verse 21 Paul answers a question that was not only relevant to his readers but also to us today. In the spirit of comparison, we would often find ourselves looking at someone else and see the ‘better’ qualities or ‘status’ they possess. We might ask ourselves, why is that person famous, or why is that person so easy to talk with, or why does that person get to date the popular guy or girl? Through this passage, Paul is saying God has the discretion to decide who is made for ‘special purposes’ and who is made for ‘common purposes (however you would define ‘special’ and ‘common’). But don’t be fooled in thinking that those who are made for ‘common purposes’ are any less serviceable or valuable than the people who are created for ‘special purposes’. All are made in the image of God. All have various purposes. Know what your purpose is, focus on that and allow God to work through you for His glory. After all we live to glorify Him. Turn your focus off of yourself and back onto God.
Thoughts for the day
- What does this passage tell you about God or Jesus?
- What does this passage tell you about humanity?
- What do you feel God is telling you through this passage?
- How can you apply this message in an area of your life that needs transformation?
- Is there anyone you think should hear or will benefit from this message? Go and tell them.
Prayer
Give God your time. Look ahead at your schedule for the next 24 hours. When can you give God 10 minutes of your time (or more) to rest in his presence and to be still. Maybe it’s right now?
