Devotionals

The Absolute Dominion of God

by Jenor Aguilar
05/14/20
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For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, for this very purpose I raised you up, to demonstrate My power in you, and that My name might be proclaimed throughout the whole earth (Romans 9:17).

In some countries, Christianity has restricted; the gospel is not allowed to preach in public. It's punishable by death or locked up in prison. After contemplating verse 17, I realized that the gospel message is universal. Not only for the western people but for the whole world. No boundaries in tribes, cultures, customs, languages, laws, and colors. God's mission in transforming people's lives is unstoppable.

The passage clearly emphasizes the absolute dominion of God. Paul quoted the scriptures in the Old Testament to remind us that God is sovereign throughout the course of time and eternity (Exodus 9:16). God is powerful and eternal!

The phrase "I raised you up" in Romans 9:17 is "emphasizing its end-impact on the person God raises up." God brought Pharaoh into time for a purpose. It was His sovereign act, not a mistake of history. Despite, the Israelites sought to observe the Mosaic Law for their own righteousness; still, God's redemptive plan and purpose never thwarted. The remnant of Israel was the perfect evidence of God's gracious choice (Romans 9:11; 31-32; 11:5). See also the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah in Matthew 1:1-6.

The reason why we have the gospel because God is faithful and true to all His promises. The Bible says, whether you are a Jew or a Greek that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation. (Romans 10:9-10).

We bless the Lord by praising Him, by exalting His Name!