Who do You Think You Are?
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jul 3, 2023
- 2 min read
So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy. For the scripture saith unto Pharaoh, Even for this same purpose have I raised thee up, that I might shew my power in thee, and that my name might be declared throughout all the earth. Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth. (Romans 9:16-18)
People often question God. They ask questions such as, “Why did Jesus let Judas betray Him?” Or “Why did God allow Pharaoh to harden his heart? Couldn’t God have forced him to do right?” Sometimes we need to reply the way Paul did in Romans 9:16-18. He essentially said, "Who do you think you are to talk about how God does things?” If God said this is the way it’s going down, that’s the end of the discussion.
Judas had a choice and so did Pharoah. They decided they did not want to humble themselves before God and do what He said. Pharoah chose to persecute God’s people; some governments and officials still do that today, but the parable of the sower tells us we can stand strong despite persecution if the Word of God is sown deeply into our hearts.
Did you know the book of Revelation talks about severe persecution in the Tribulation period? Some will see angels telling them not to take the mark of the beast, but they will still persecute and kill Christians, like Egypt’s Pharoah did.
During the Great Tribulation of the last 3 ½ years, some people will accept the mark of the beast although they had been warned not to. God always warns His people, but they still must choose to do what He says!
God doesn’t send anyone to hell. They choose to go there.
Practical Application
When people act like God is unrighteous in allowing anyone to go to hell, you need to ask, “Who do they think they are?” God sent Jesus to die on the cross so they could enjoy eternal life with Him!Your job is to share the Gospel with everyone and persuade them to choose heaven!
