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
Gracious 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, after-thought, plan B, or redeeming of a good story gone kaput. The comfort and peace I enjoy from this supreme demonstration of your sovereignty is immeasurable.
Indeed, no one could’ve put Jesus on the cross apart from his will, and though his own disciples tried, no one could have kept him from the cross. Because of forthcoming joy, Jesus endured the cross for us—scorning its shame and exhausting our guilt (Heb. 12:1-3). I praise you for your incomparable gift.
So Father, as I celebrate and find comfort in your sovereignty seen in Jesus’ cross, why should I struggle with it anywhere else? Why am I even tempted to reverse roles, and make me the potter and treat you like malleable clay? Why would I ever prefer a Play-Doh or Gumby God, instead of a sovereign Father?
I have no 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, I sometimes question your goodness—a clear display of my foolishness.
Father, give me joy in simply being gospel pottery. You’ve placed the incredible treasure of Jesus in this jar of clay to prove your all-surpassing power in making all things new. You truly do all things well—even when you don’t do all things easy. So very Amen I pray, in Jesus’ most grace-full and sovereign name.
