Mystery of Election

Daily Scripture Threshing for Today, Thursday, September 4, 2025

Today's Text: Romans 9:10-18

Key Verse: Romans 9:13 (NLT): "As the Scriptures say, 'I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.'"

Imagine a sculptor with two blocks of marble. Before beginning, the sculptor decides to create a magnificent statue from one block and leave the other as it is. The blocks have not yet been worked on, they possess no intrinsic qualities that would make one more suitable than the other, yet the sculptor's choice is already made. This analogy introduces the concept of God's sovereign choice or mystery of election as seen in the story of Jacob and Esau. The same is true of each of us. His choice of us is based on His own purpose and not on any of our merit or action.

The secret behind God's election of people for His purpose lies in His sovereignty. It is unconditional. It has nothing to do with influences or reflexes. It is God's own choice based on His own purpose, not on human merit or works. Imagine that before they were even born, God chose Jacob to be the recipient of His promise and blessings, and rejected Esau from that lineage. This will help us humble ourselves that God's election of us is not based on our qualities but on His free will and gracious design.

This understanding is a cornerstone our relationship with God. It affirms God's ultimate authority and freedom in His dealings with humanity. That is why we sing "Nothing in my hand I bring, simply to the cross I cling; naked, come to thee for dress; helpless, look to thee for grace;

foul, I to the fountain fly; wash me, Savior, or I die." This song underscores key aspects of God's sovereign administration of His own decision, love and grace. He loved Jacob and hated Esau before they had done anything good or bad.

You are so favored not because of your righteousness, any good works, actions or merits. No. God's choices are not reactions to our behavior but an expression of His divine will. They are not based on works. The text before us this morning emphasizes that election is "not of works but of Him who calls." God chose Jacob for reasons that are unknown to human understanding, not for any inherent qualities or deeds of either individual. This frees us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor. His salvation is a gift of grace.

We must not view love and hate in this context in the way humans understand and rekate with these words. They are terms from roots that signify God's covenantal preference for Jacob and His rejection of Esau from the specific line of promise. This isn't about God having a personal vendetta against Esau; rather, it means Esau was not chosen to carry the covenantal blessings of Abraham and Isaac. By choosing between Jacob and Esau, who were twin brothers, God removes the argument that God's choices are based on physical lineage or the merits of being part of a specific group. It further reinforce the fact that His election is a matter of His personal, specific choice. Thank you Jesus for saving and choosing us. Hallelujah!

Action Steps: Reflect on God's sovereign choice in own life. Consider how He has worked through circumstances and people to bring you to faith. Instead of focusing on why you were chosen, respond with gratitude and humility for such an unmerited favor. Realize that His love is a gift, not something to be earned. Share the good news of God's grace with others. Pray that you and those around you will grow in understanding and acceptance of God's sovereign purpose.

Quote for the Day: "How and why God elects or selects His men remains a secret shrowded in His sovereignty. It is a mystery of grace that calls for our humble submission and gratitude." (Simon Olatunji #quotablequote)

Let Us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your sovereign choice and unmerited grace. Help me to understand the depth of Your love and purpose, knowing that my salvation is not based on my works but on Your free will. Fill me with a spirit of humility and gratitude, so that I may live a life that honors Your divine election. In Jesus' most glorious name. Amen.

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Thank you for being part of this journey. For additional reading on today's meditation, read: Malachi 1:2-3, Romans 11:5, and Ephesians 1:4-5.

With all my love and prayers,

Rev Simon Wale Olatunji, Ph.D.

Your Darling Bishop (DaBishop)

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