Does God Count You—or Call You by Name? (Romans 9:14-33)

In this episode of the Daily Bible Refresh, Dr. Brad Miller reads Romans 9:14–33 from The Message and explores what it means that God is “in charge of mercy” and calls us by name rather than counting us as numbers. Drawing on the imagery of the potter and the clay, Brad unpacks how God’s personal selection, love, and compassion redefine our identity from “nobodies” to “beloved.” He also offers a piercing critique of religious “God projects” that can distract us from the living God right in front of us, and invites listeners into a more present, relational faith. Through personal stories about his family and his work with cancer-impacted people, he grounds these theological insights in everyday life and concludes with practical action steps and a prayer to help us live as those known and loved by name.Key TakeawaysGod is in charge of mercy and compassion – Mercy doesn’t come from our “bleeding hearts or moral sweat” but from God’s initiative and character, as seen in God’s dealings with Moses and Pharaoh.We are called by name, not counted as numbers – God’s focus is not arithmetic but relationship; He calls individuals personally, transforming “nobodies” into “somebodies” and the unloved into the beloved.Faith is a relationship, not a “God project” – Religious insiders in Romans missed God because they tried to manage and control their faith, getting absorbed in projects and systems instead of trusting and noticing God’s presence.The “stumbling stone” warns against spiritual control – Those most intent on being right and running the show tripped over God like a boulder in the road, while those less invested in religious status were more open to genuinely encountering God.Your identity is deeply personal to God – Brad illustrates with his family and his ministry to cancer-impacted people that true healing and love come when we see ourselves and others not as statistics or cases, but as named, known, and beloved persons.Links referenced in this episode:voiceofgoddaily.comThe "Daily Bible Refresh" is presented each day by Rev. Dr. Brad Miller who has a goal of speaking a bit of the bible into two million ears (one million people) in three years (2025-2028).He is the author of "The A, B, C-1,2,3 Bible Study Guide" Free to you by clicking HERE.Brad served as a local church pastor for forty years and has a background in radio and podcasting. Moreover, he is a life-long student of The Bible.He believes in the words of Jesus that “scripture is fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21)The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available seven days a week by 6:00 am ET. The episodes are no longer than ten minutes long and are...Understandable: A reading from the New Testament (usually the Gospel) selected from the Revised Common Lectionary using "The Message" translation.Relatable: You will have a couple of "points to ponder" from the text which will relate to your lifeApplicable: Every episode includes a way you can take action based on the readingA recommended resource to help you go deeper in biblical study and spiritual direction.A prayer for your day.A companion resource to the Voice of God Daily Podcast is the “ABC Bible Study Guide” available by clicking HERE.The "Daily Bible Refresh" is available every day at VoiceofGodDaily.com on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major podcast directories.You can help Dr. Brad attain his goal of getting a bit of the bible into two million ears by subscribing to "Daily Bible Refresh" on Apple Podcasts, leaving a five-star rating, and writing a review. More importantly please share with your network of family and friends about the "Daily Bible Refresh".Please make listening to the "Daily Bible Refresh" a part of your daily life.Remember… “All scripture is God-breathed and useful”(2 Timothy 3:16)