Romans 9  Paul had a great love for his people, the Jews.. to the point of sorrow at their rejection of Jesus as the Messiah.  He wanted more than anything that the people of God.. who had received so much from God.. the covenants, the Law, the promises... would also receive the Son of God, born from the root of David "according to the flesh". 

But, there is a truth that has been revealed that we all need to take note of.. God said, " I will have mercy on whom I have mercy; and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion."  

God makes choices..  He chose Isaac and not Ishmael.  He chose Jacob and not Esau. He chose Pharaoh.. and hardened his heart so that He could "demonstrate [His] power.." (v17)  

And like Paul's readers, we want to question God about how He makes His choices.. but Paul reminds us that God's ways are far greater than what we can understand.. He is the Potter and we are the clay... He can make us however He chooses.  What we can do, is be thankful!  For.. "He did so in order that He might make known the riches of His glory upon the vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory, even us.. " 

God called Jews and Gentiles both to come to Him.. He took people who were far from Him and drew them near.. He took "her who was not beloved".. and called her "Beloved"!  He chooses to save those who pursue Him by faith.. and not by their own works.  He chooses to keep a remnant for Himself.  He chooses to reveal Himself according to His own will.. and it is all of grace. 

Father in heaven, we are so thankful to be able to come before You.. knowing that it is only because You have chosen to show us mercy and lovingkindness.  By grace You have revealed Your Word to us, You have sent Your Son for us, and You have opened our eyes and ears that we might come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior.  We pray for those who are still walking in the darkness of sin and plead with You to have mercy on them also... open their eyes and change their hearts.. for nothing is impossible for You.  Let the Word of Christ go out across the land that more will hear and believe.  We ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.