“Accountability”
I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy. —Romans 9:15
Read Romans 9:14-21
People must always be held accountable to the authority figures who rule over them. For instance, children are accountable to their parents and students must answer to their teachers. Everyone must give an account of one’s words and deeds in daily life. It is most important that our words and deeds agree with our duties. Ultimately, we are all responsible to the Lord, our Creator. Our thoughts should also be to the honour of God and the well being of our neighbour.
While all people are accountable to those who are in authority over them, the Lord God has no authority above Him. He is not accountable to anyone. In our text we simply read, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.” To whom the Lord shows mercy is hidden from us and we should not try to pry into it. We should not worry about God’s will concerning eternal matters. Instead, we must be concerned with His Word when He states, “Repent ye”, and “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13).
“As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezek.33:11). And so the Lord calls us again today to for-sake our sins and to repent. Then, according to His own Word, He will show mercy to you and me, which will be to His glory and our soul’s salvation. “I would make supplication to my judge” (Job 9:15).
What does this text mean to you?