Is. 47-49
As long as this earth remains, God will continue to use godless men (and nations) to accomplish His purpose. But being used by God does not excuse their wickedness. God spoke to Babylon in Isaiah 47, declaring that they would be brought low for their proud and wicked ways. He made clear to them that being used by God is not at all the same as being God. I have to believe that the message is the same for the godless, power-hungry people of today. They are working overtime to destroy the truth and elevate themselves. Like the Babylonians, they feel “secure in [their] wickedness”, believing that “No one sees” (Is 47:10a). And they say in their hearts, “’I am, and there is no one besides me.’” (Is 47:10b). But, like the Babylonians, “ruin will come upon [them] suddenly” (Is 47:11b) and “there is no one to save [them]” (Is 47:15b).
Rom. 9:1-15
God pays attention to detail. His plan has not been half-hazard. There are so many intentional little details in God’s story that point to His truth. Paul frequently points some of these things out, as he does here in Romans 9. Abraham had more than one offspring, but only one of them promised. The promised son of Abraham had twins, but God ordained beforehand which one was to carry out the promise. All of this points to the fact that salvation is from God alone (not from any fleshly connection) and is not based on what we do, but is for all who believe in His promise, which is Jesus Christ. It is a lot to wrap one’s head around, but it is that much more evidence of how great and incomprehensible is our God.