Sovereign Mercy
BRD REFLECTIONS
Romans 11:25-36 and Psalm 140 (NIV)
(Esther Gooi, Steward, LCEC)
READ:
Romans 11:25-36 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
In this passage, we see the ground of confidence for Israel’s salvation – God’s mercy. Paul warned the Gentiles against arrogance by revealing God’s plan for Israel, that while Israel is currently experiencing a hardening in part, in terms of both numbers and duration, all Israel will be saved, once the full number of the Gentiles has come in. He reminds us how, although the Jews’ rejection of the gospel led to its offer to and acceptance by the Gentiles, God will stay true to His nature and not break His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Paul reminds the Gentiles that since they, being sinful, have now received salvation as a result of the Jews’ temporary rejection, conceit over their current position of grace is uncalled for as God has a plan to extend His mercy to His chosen people as well. Disobedience will not have the last word, because “Scriptures declare that we are all prisoners of sin, so we receive God’s promise of freedom only by believing in Jesus Christ” (Galatians 3:22, NLT). God has decided that His mercy is for everyone. All glory and praise be to Him.
APPLY:
After reflecting upon the verses, it seems ironic to me that the recipients of God’s mercy, be they Jew or Gentile, would slip into arrogance, even though we have by no means earned God’s mercy for ourselves. God, in His love, shows mercy to the Gentiles through Jewish disobedience, and then shows the Jews mercy through the mercy experienced by Gentiles. God, in His sovereignty, decides to extend salvation to both Jews and Gentiles even though we are equally undeserving. There is no distinction in sin nor in salvation for the Jews and Gentiles – God not only withholds judgement, but also extends unmerited favour towards all of us who do not deserve it and are unable to earn it.
I believe that my response to God’s mercy will send an important message to the people in my life. As the parable of the unmerciful servant plainly showed in Matthew 18:21-35, just as I have received mercy from God, I too should extend mercy to those around me.
DO:
I will look for opportunities to extend mercy to both my pre-believing family and friends, as well as to my colleagues in the marketplace. Mercy in the form of comfort and compassion for people who might be hurt; mercy in the form of lovingkindness for people I might not feel hospitable towards; mercy in the form of forgiveness when I might have been wronged. I will keep my heart and mind open for opportunities to lovingly extend mercy towards others, and even to humbly accept mercy from others.
PRAY:
Father God, thank You for the mercy You have extended to me, even though I am fully undeserving of it. Thank You for Your love and forgiveness, and above all for the blood of Christ on the cross that washes away my sins. Thank You for Your mercies that are new every morning.
Holy Spirit, come, help me develop a merciful nature that I may be loving, kind and compassionate to all around me. Show me the opportunities and ways that I can show mercy today. Help me be merciful, just as my Father is merciful.
For from You and through You and for You are all things. To God be the glory forever! Amen.
