36
Therefore, Lord, your righteousness and goodness will certainly be made known when you show your mercy to those who have no treasure of good deeds."
37
The Lord answered me, "Part of what you have said is correct, and things will happen as you have indicated.
38
You can be sure that I will give no thought to those who have sinned or to their creation, death, judgment, or destruction.
39
Instead, I will find my joy in the creation of the righteous, their earthly journey, their salvation, and their final reward.
40
Things will happen just as I have said.
41
The farmer plants many seeds and puts out many plants, but not all of them take root or come up at the right time. That's the way it is with this world. Not everyone who has been placed in this world will be saved."
42
Then I said, "Please let me speak.
43
The farmer's seed may not come up because you did not send rain at the right time, or it may be ruined by too much rain.
44
But people are different. You formed them with your own hands; you created them to be like you; and you made everything for their benefit. How can you compare them to a farmer's seed?
45
It's impossible, O Lord above! Spare the people who are your own. Have pity on them. Show your mercy to the people you have created."
46
He answered, "The present is for those who live now, and the future for those who are to come.