David Bahn – Reflections

Today’s readings are Romans 9:1-21; Genesis 25; Exodus 9; 33; Joshua 11. I’ll be away for the next few weeks. I will, however, attempt to post a link to the readings for the 49 Week Bible Challenge so you can follow the plan easily. During this time there will be no audio versions of these blog posts.

Exodus 33:18-23

Moses said, “Please show me your glory.” ¹⁹ And he said, “I will make all my goodness pass before you and will proclaim before you my name ‘The Lord.’ And I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy. ²⁰ But,” he said, “you cannot see my face, for man shall not see me and live.” ²¹ And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by me where you shall stand on the rock, ²² and while my glory passes by I will put you in a cleft of the rock, and I will cover you with my hand until I have passed by. ²³ Then I will take away my hand, and you shall see my back, but my face shall not be seen.”

Today’s passages are a challenging read. But they all point out that God is utterly free in his purposes, unfailingly faithful in his promises, and abundantly gracious in his ways. These passages show that God works through both mercy and judgment, and that his saving purposes flow not from human effort or lineage but from his own gracious will.

Holiness

God’s holiness is seen in his absolute distinction from human plans and expectations (to be holy means to be unique – set apart). In Genesis 25, the choice of Jacob over Esau defies cultural norms; in Exodus 33, God reveals his glory to Moses on his own terms; and in Romans 9, Paul reminds us that God’s dealings are never arbitrary but rooted in his pure and perfect character.

Justice

In Exodus 9 and Joshua 11, God’s judgments on Pharaoh and the Canaanite nations arise from long-standing rebellion and violence. These passages show that divine justice is not capricious but the righteous response of a holy God who has been patient and slow to anger. Romans 9 frames God’s justice within the larger story of his redemptive purposes.

Reign and Rule

Each passage emphasizes that God’s purposes stand, regardless of human resistance. His reign and rule is absolute and will be fully revealed in Jesus. But until that time no one will be able to see God’s face.

• Genesis 25: God chooses Jacob before birth.
• Exodus 9: God raises Pharaoh to display his power.
• Exodus 33: God proclaims, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy.”
• Joshua 11: God gives Israel victory according to his promise.
  Romans 9 ties these threads into a theological whole: God’s ultimate reign does not negate responsibility but assures that his saving plan will be fulfilled.

Grace

Grace shines through in God’s compassionate choice to bless Jacob, to show mercy to Israel, and to call people to himself despite their unworthiness. Paul in Romans 9 shows that God’s grace is not earned or deserved—it is given. Even within narratives of judgment, God preserves a people and advances his promise of redemption.