Niki Simasek from Birmingham, Alabama, I tend to ask of this, Dear Pastor John, my 13-year-old

son Drew is a deep thinker.

This morning, a breakfast we were reading Deuteronomy 10 when I got done reading Drew looked

at me, visibly frustrated, and a bit emotional and said, Mom, why does the Bible contradict

itself?

In Deuteronomy 10, it says the great God, mighty, and awesome, who shows no partiality.

In Romans 9, it says, just as it is written, Jacob, I have loved, but Esau, I have hated.

How is that not showing favoritism and partiality?

I tried so hard to answer his question, going back to God's infinite wisdom, sovereignty,

goodness, predestination, and his desire to bring himself glory, trusting him when we

don't completely understand, but as you read on in chapter 9, it doesn't get any easier

to swallow.

God has mercy on whom he wants to have mercy.

I'm not sure I gave him such a great explanation.

I said, Well, son, I believe you just asked me a question that I would like to ask

faster John.

What do you say faster John?

The first thing I have to say is, may the Lord give this 13-year-old a humble and teachable

spirit to go along with his sharp mind?

I love sharp minds, and they are a great weapon in the hand of the Lord when they are wielded

with a humble and wise arm.

He's off to a good start with such a discerning mother.

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