Vessels of Mercy

"But indeed for this purpose I have raised you up, that I may show My power in you, and that My name may be declared in all the earth." (Exodus 9:16 NKJV)

The LORD has made all for Himself,
Yes, even the wicked for the day of doom.
(Proverbs 16:4 NKJV)

What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath prepared for destruction, and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory? (Romans 9:22-23 NKJV)

There are those who believe God does not need us. In the strictest sense, He is fully God without us, and truly, He does not need mankind to be God.

But how can mercy be shown when all is well? How is good understood unless evil is experienced? What purpose has glory without adoration? Is creation's love for God as meaningful if it is compelled without opportunity for hatred?

God needs us to fully manifest His attributes. His greatest act of love, mercy and justice was displayed at Calvary and demanded by our sin. Had He not created vessels of wrath, He could not display grace to vessels of mercy. But for the threat of death, the value of eternal life could not be made known.

Ah Lord God, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power! What is man, that You are mindful of us? How can it be that You my King should die for me? Please give Your people ever greater knowledge of Your infinite love, mercy and grace, that You have so abundantly poured out upon us, that we might fully give glory to You, however insignificant it may be if compared to the glory You deserve.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy