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Romans 9:6-16
“It is not as though God’s word had failed. For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel. Nor because they are his descendants are they all Abraham’s children. On the contrary, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.” In other words, it is not the children by physical descent who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are regarded as Abraham’s offspring. For this was how the promise was stated: “At the appointed time I will return, and Sarah will have a son.”
Not only that, but Rebekah’s children were conceived at the same time by our father Isaac. Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand: not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.” Just as it is written: “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.” What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!
For he says to Moses,
“I will have mercy on whom I have mercy,
and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
I’m sure for most of us, it’s not hard to recall at one time or another shouting at a parent: “It’s not fair!” This is the exact sentiment Paul is writing about in regard to God’s chosen people, Israel.
In our lectionary text today from Romans 9, Paul doesn’t pull any punches. He knew that his line of reasoning would provoke objections, and rather than shy away from the difficult conversation he met it head-on. The core issue has to do with the question, “Who are God’s people?” Historically, throughout the Old Testament, that was an easier question to answer. It’s Israel. It’s the Jews, the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But now that Christ has come, Paul says that simply isn’t the case. “For not all who are descended from Israel are Israel.” I can imagine many faithful Jews crying out “It’s not fair!” However, Paul anticipates this concern and addresses it immediately.
Paul reminds the Jews, and us, of the reality that God’s people were never God’s people due to their lineage, or ethnicity, but by the God-initiated covenants in which He chose to reveal himself. Furthermore, God’s people were defined by the response of faith in Yahweh by those “hall-of-fame” forefathers and their families (see Heb. 11). But even that faith, says Paul, does not depend on human desire or effort, but only on God’s mercy. So, it’s not as if God is changing his mind, or waffling about what makes a person his child or not. It’s always been the same from Abraham through today. God initiates in his infinite wisdom and generosity, and we respond in faith.
Earlier in Romans 3 Paul makes clear that “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” And in Romans 6, “The wages of sin is death.” So yes, God is unfair. But not in the way many would accuse him today. He is unfair in that the punishment does not fit the crime. The fair and just thing to do is to give us what we deserve–all of us.
When this is in full view, it seems very childish indeed to call God unfair for giving mercy on those he elects to have mercy on and compassion on those he has compassion on. Rather than giving us the punishment we deserve, Jesus was pierced for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities, and the punishment that brought us peace was on him. By his wounds, we are healed. (Isaiah 53:4-5) The Apostle Peter reminds us as well that “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Praise be to God for his extravagant unfairness, and love given to us through the work of Christ Jesus!