Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Romans 9:20-21 But who are you, O man, 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?
THE ALMIGHTY GOD IS ... MY POTTER!
When I think about "talking back," I immediately think of a child talking back to his or her parents. But in what ways do adults -- and all people alike for that matter -- "talk back" to God? It's easier to do than we may think.
Examples of grumbling, complaining, and even questioning God all stem from the same rebellious nature that Paul was teaching the Roman Christians (living in a very self centered society) about in these verses. I know I'm guilty of them too. I think, "Everyone's doing it," after cussing when something didn't go my way. Or "What have you done for me lately," when I'm asked to help out with chores around the house or maybe at a church workday. "It's not fair" is probably the most common back talking I do when a relationship is failing, a job is proving too difficult to manage, or the day's stress seems unbearable. These few examples all question the Almighty God's wisdom. "Why are You letting me go through this?" "Why did You make me to struggle with this now?" Remember Job? He learned the hard way, that the Potter ... MY Potter can to do with me whatever He sees fit.
What I forget, even more than not "talking back" to my Lord in these subtle ways, is that the Potter has and continues to mold me as He sees fit to carry with joy what He has given me to carry -- His precious Water of Life (The Refreshing Gospel of Jesus Christ). This heavenly treasure of faith in my frail, earthly, body of clay shows My Potter's great love for me when He poured out His forgiving love and mercy into my once dead, dried up heart (see 2 Corinthians 4:6ff). So who am I to talk back to God? He's the one who molds me (this lump of clay) to serve His good and gracious purpose. Let that be true today, tomorrow, and every day He plans to use me for His glory.
