Romans 9:20 – Know-it-all kneading

O man! Who are you, to be sure, who are answering again to God? That which is molded will not protest to the molder, Why do you make me thus?

The objection in the preceding verse is clear: If no one has resisted God’s intention, what has He to reproach? Paul confirms that indeed Pharaoh in his unruly attitude only served God’s purpose. But he ignores the question itself. Paul disputes the right to hold God accountable. It is not what the contradictor says, but who he imagines himself to be that is being questioned.

It is bizarre to call GOD to account as a creature. Paul makes this clear by comparing it to a piece of clay that thinks it knows better than the molder. What can a creation say about the motives of its creator? As creatures, we do not yet understand a fraction of creation, let alone even approximate the Creator! We would therefore humbly acknowledge that we cannot do what He can. And that we have no idea what He knows. To think that one can pass judgment on GOD’s motives is pure pride and pedantry.

Delen: