Study Desk

The creation waits eagerly for the sons of God to be revealed;

for the creation was made subject to frustration — not willingly, but because of the one who subjected it. But it was given a reliable hope

It was in this hope that we were saved. But if we see what we hope for, it isn't hope — after all, who hopes for what he already sees?

But if we continue hoping for something we don't see, then we still wait eagerly for it, with perseverance.

Similarly, the Spirit helps us in our weakness; for we don't know how to pray the way we should. But the Spirit himself pleads on our behalf with groanings too deep for words;

and the one who searches hearts knows exactly what the Spirit is thinking, because his pleadings for God's people accord with God's will.

Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose;

What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

As the Tanakh puts it, "For your sake we are being put to death all day long, we are considered sheep to be slaughtered."

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor other heavenly rulers, neither what exists nor what is coming,

the Patriarchs are theirs; and from them, as far as his physical descent is concerned, came the Messiah, who is over all. Praised be Adonai for ever! Amen.

But the present condition of Isra'el does not mean that the Word of God has failed. For not everyone from Isra'el is truly part of Isra'el;

For this is what the promise said: "At the time set, I will come; and Sarah will have a son."

And even more to the point is the case of Rivkah; for both her children were conceived in a single act with Yitz'chak, our father;

So are we to say, "It is unjust for God to do this"? Heaven forbid!

For to Moshe he says, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will pity whom I pity."

For the Tanakh says to Pharaoh, "It is for this very reason that I raised you up, so that in connection with you I might demonstrate my power, so that my name might be known throughout the world."

Or has the potter no right to make from a given lump of clay this pot for honorable use and that one for dishonorable?

Now what if God, even though he was quite willing to demonstrate his anger and make known his power, patiently put up with people who deserved punishment and were ripe for destruction?

What if he did this in order to make known the riches of his glory to those who are the objects of his mercy, whom he prepared in advance for glory —