Proverbs 16:4

 The book of Proverbs gives us a lot of instruction on a lot of different subjects. One subject that can keep us in God’s wisdom is Godly Follower-ship. Who we follow; where we follow; how we follow are all spoken about in Proverbs. Here is one of them about God’s sovereignty:

Proverbs 16:4

The Lord has made everything for its own purpose, Even the wicked for the day of evil.

God has made everything and a purpose for everything. This really stretches those who have a struggle with the sovereignty of God. What Solomon is telling us is that the Lord puts people on this earth for a specific purpose. The second line of the proverb gives us some deep insight into God's working in the world. This is illustrated by Paul in Romans 9 when he talks about loving Jacob and hating Esau. He also refers to preparing some vessels for only destruction (Romans 9:22). Paul finishes the discussion by mentioning "hardening" Pharaoh's heart to show His own glory. God has a purpose for even those whom He created to destroy. Some object to this thought process. Some believe that we all have some redeeming quailty and if God were not to give us all a "chance" to be redemmed it would be deemed "unfair" by God. However, if you hold this view, what does this Proverb and Romans 9 teach us? Peter echos the same thing in 1 Peter 2:8. 

1 Peter 2:7-8 (ESV)

7 So the honor is for you who believe, but for those who do not believe,

“The stone that the builders rejected

has become the cornerstone,”

8 and

“A stone of stumbling,

and a rock of offense.”

They stumble because they disobey the word, as they were destined to do.

Note that it states that those who reject the “stone” and “rock” (Jesus) stumble because they were “destined” to do that.  The disciples had a good grip on what it means to know God's sovereign character. Since God never does wrong we don't have to worry about Him violating that sovereign power. Because we are fallen men and women we can only see abuse of such power. But, God is perfect in His love, mercy, justice AND sovereign power. He does not, can not, abuse it. If He made some vessels on this earth for only one reason and that reason was for destruction on Judgement Day, we can say little. God can do what He wants. Rather than insult me or cause me harm, this truth makes me rejoice in my salvation all the more.