Has the Potter No Right Over the Clay?

This meditation is based on a passage for July 8, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Romans 9:19-33

Reflection and Question: Paul’s question “Why have you made me this way?” is familiar to anyone who knows faithful GLBT people. The answer is that God, the potter, is the one who shapes each of us for particular use. Like the Gentiles in Paul’s time, GLBT people in our time challenge us to accept “the riches of God’s glory for the objects of mercy.” And Paul is clear this includes all those whom God has called, including GLBT people who attain righteousness by faith. How has God shaped you for His particular use?

Prayer: Holy Spirit, bless Paul’s words to our understanding so that they lead us to love one another. May our striving arise from the basis of faith, not from the basis of works. Help us to embrace those who are told they are not your people, but are. Amen.