Israel's Problem

This twenty-fifth message from Romans reveals Israel's problem. The nation was UNWORTHY of the privileges (9:1-5) and promises (9:6-13) that God had given them. They were attempting to hold God accountable for wrong decisions - He was showing injustice in His character, and His choices were those of a dictator. So, Paul exalts God's ability as the one who does not depend on Moses the lawgiver, nor on the mighty Pharaoh to carry out His wishes. It is clear that God alone has authority to show mercy to the righteous or to harden the ungodly. The nation of Israel was also UNSUCCESSFUL because they contended with God, contradicting His authority to make decisions. God's ability shined as He endured vessels of wrath (unbelieving Jews), so that he might reveal the evidence of His riches upon vessels of mercy (mixed believers). God can be held accountable for right decisions - some Gentiles shall be called sons of the living God, and a remnant of Jews will ultimately be saved.