As humans we like to hold God to human standards. We think it only fair that he treat everyone the same. If God chooses to show extra mercy to an individual in certain situations is this unfair to the rest of mankind? Paul knew this question would quickly follow his previous statements about election in Romans 9, that is why he addressed this question himself, is there injustice on God's part by electing the people who have chosen him first?
In today's passage, Paul is heading off anyone from taking his statements and misinterpreting them. "What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all!" ( Romans 9:14 ). Is God unfair in choosing, predestining and electing those who by their free will chose him first? Not at all. Paul is reassuring us that God is completely just in offering mercy and compassion on those he chooses. Just because he chose to grant us extra mercy doesn't make him unfair or unjust to others in the process. This is one of the things that he spoke to Moses in Exodus 33, "And God said, I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, THE LORD, before you; for I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy and loving-kindness on whom I will show mercy and loving-kindness" ( Exodus 33:19 Amp ). Not everyone was able to witness the Lord passing by in the cleft of the rock. But Moses witnessed it because God told him he was pleased with him and knew him by name and because Moses asked to see him face to face ( Exodus 33:17 ). God showed Moses extra mercy and favor in revealing himself, in the same way he also bestows this grace and mercy upon us.
God would be just in calling all of our accounts due. He is righteous and holy and mankind is the complete opposite. Because of this, he would be completely righteous in bringing judgment against us. However, because of what Jesus did for us, he extends mercy towards us. He is patient and loving and has chosen to extend grace to us instead of judgment. There is no injustice upon God's part on account of his mercy.
Today, I am so thankful that God is so gracious towards us. I am glad he has extended mercy instead of judgment. Today, my this revelation of God mercy bless you, amen!
