September 25, 2026
YOU ARE GOD/I AM NOT
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Well then, you might say, ‘Why does God blame people for not responding? Haven’t they simply done what he makes them do?’ No, don’t say that. Who are you, a mere human being, to argue with God? Should the thing that was created say to the one who created it, ‘Why have you made me like this?’
When a potter makes jars out of clay, doesn’t he have a right to use the same lump of clay to make one jar for decoration and another to throw garbage into? In the same way, even though God has the right to show his anger and his power, he is very patient with those on whom his anger falls, who are destined for destruction. He does this to make the riches of his glory shine even brighter on those to whom he shows mercy, who were prepared in advance for glory. And we are among those whom he selected, both from the Jews and from the Gentiles.”
Romans 9:19–24 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Paul anticipates the next logical objection to God’s sovereignty: "If God is in total control, how can He hold us responsible? Aren't we just doing what He made us do?"
Rather than trying to resolve every philosophical tension for our finite minds, Paul points us back to the ultimate reality of who God is and who we are in relation to Him.
1. Who Are We to Argue with the Potter?
Paul uses a vivid Old Testament image: God is the Potter, and we are the clay.
As the Creator, God possesses absolute wisdom, authority, and rights over His creation. It is the height of human foolishness for the clay to cross-examine the Potter, asking, "Why did you make me like this?"
Consider the external circumstances of life:
Neither Moses nor Pharaoh chose their birth parents, their genetic makeup, their natural abilities, or the historical era in which they were born.
Those sovereign details were arranged entirely by the hand of God.
Yet, sovereign design does not erase human responsibility. God gave humanity intellect, emotions, and free will. Pharaoh was granted tremendous opportunities to witness God’s power and repent, yet he repeatedly chose prideful rebellion.
Our finite minds struggle to comprehend how divine sovereignty and human responsibility fit together perfectly, but Scripture affirms both. God is sovereign, and we are accountable.
2. God’s Divine Purposes and Abundant Patience
Notice Paul’s description of God’s character in verse 22: He is "very patient."
God does not rush to judgment. He extends incredible patience even toward those who set themselves against Him.
Preparation for Glory: Scripture notes that God prepares believers in advance for glory (v. 23).
Preparation for Destruction: Conversely, unrepentant sinners prepare themselves for judgment through persistent rebellion (v. 22).
Through Moses and Israel, God revealed the breathtaking riches of His mercy.
Through Pharaoh and Egypt, He demonstrated His justice and power. Since no human being deserves salvation on their own merits, God can never be accused of injustice. Every act of mercy is pure, unmerited grace!
3. Vessels of Mercy from Every Nation
Paul brings this section to a glorious conclusion in verse 24: God's ultimate purpose was never restricted to a single ethnic lineage.
Through the cross, God has formed His church out of both Jews and Gentiles. If you have placed your trust in Jesus, you are a "vessel of mercy"—fashioned by the Potter's hands to display the riches of His glory to a watching world.
Reflection & Application
Are you arguing with the Potter? Are there circumstances, traits, or seasons in your life where you have questioned God's design instead of trusting His heart?
Are you walking responsibly with your choices? Do you recognize that while God arranges your season, you are responsible to yield your daily choices to Him?
Are you living as a vessel of mercy? How can your life shine the riches of God's grace and glory to the people around you today?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Holy Spirit, I yield my life into Your hands as clay in the hands of the Potter. I acknowledge that You are God and I am not. Forgive me for the times I have questioned Your wisdom or resisted Your sovereign placement in my life.
Thank You for making me a vessel of Your mercy. I didn't earn Your grace, yet You chose to shower Your love and favor upon my life.
Give me a humble heart that trusts Your character even when I cannot fully comprehend Your methods. Shape my life into an instrument that brings honor, praise, and glory to Your name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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