Mercy and Compassion

Rom. 9:9-14

 

What shall we say then? Is there injustice on God's part? By no means! For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion." So then it depends not on human will or exertion, but on God, who has mercy. For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I might show my power in you, and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth." So then he has mercy on whomever he wills, and he hardens whomever he wills.

 

It is amazing to me how much the principle that, if I work hard, I deserve something, changes my perception of things. For instance, if I work especially hard in the work place, then I should get a bonus. If I accomplish a big task in the home, then I should have dinner out, or if I haven't been out for a night on the town in a long while, I should go out. As the ad said, 'You deserve a break today.' But do I really? This principle may be functional in the world, but it just doesn't work with God. In God's economy, His relationships with humans are not deserved in any way, shape, or form. He gives mercy and compassions to whom He wills according to His overriding purpose regardless of man's plan. All of human life is for God to show His power in us that His name might be proclaimed. Human will and exertion is not even in the mix. His saving anyone is through grace by faith, and that faith is a gift from God  so that man may not boast in anything.

 

Father,

My heart is so full of thankfulness to You for showing me mercy and compassions. I am Yours. I am no longer my own. Helps me to proclaim your name wherever You open the door.

In Jesus name,
Amen