Predestined Vessels for Wrath

A great portion of today I was wrestling through the idea of predestination and "free will." At one point, I began to think about those destined for wrath. All we know, as Christ-followers, is our responsibilities we must carry out. We know what we must do and how we should live. We do not know what "balance" or "paradox" may exist bewteen the choices "we make" and what God has already determined, but we know how we must live.

We do not know who is determined for wrath.

This morning, I began to doubt (in bitter resentment and rebellious SIN) my need to go out and work – who cares and why should I? God already has prepared them for wrath.

As I jogged and thought I then realized that this concept should spur us on ALL the more to go out and within to CARE for people.
At least, when they die and they are being judged they will be able to acknowledge that they did see, hear, feel, know His love, but they chose to reject it. If we would CARE for others, on judgment day, even those prepared for hell would not be able to condemn us, but would realize their sin and be able to glorify the Lord all the more. While we care for others we also have the opportunity to bring some to His throne for grace. We might be able to find some destined for glory. What if He has suffered long through the vessels prepared for wrath in order that we might be able to experience His riches, His mercy, and His grace? (Parable of the tares in the wheat. When the tares are sown in, you can only wait to see the wheat.)

Here I must be careful…I again want to question, but questioning can be sinful. I will not lean on my own understanding. Leaning on HIM promotes the hope and energy within me to GO OUT. My questions pull me down and make me lethargic; releasing my need to know releases me to serve others. Focus on HIS glory, not mine.
If I did not care about my life, if I wanted to lose my life and be His slave, then I would have no trouble even if all I did was predetermined. If the Lord has determined all then that is good and blessed be His name for rewarding us when He has made us do it all. (But why?!) No!!! …I will stop my typing.

In short, all weak man can say is, "to Him be the honor, praise, and glory for ever. He is wise. I am dumb. He is everlasting; I am momentary. He is in control. I cannot change that, but I must submit to it."