September 24, 2026
GOD’S MERCY AND DIVINE SOVEREIGNTY
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
“Are we saying, then, that God was unfair? Of course not! For God said to Moses, ‘I will show mercy to anyone I choose, and I will show compassion to anyone I choose.’ So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it. For the Scriptures say that God told Pharaoh, ‘I have appointed you for the very purpose of displaying my power in you and to spread my fame throughout the earth.’ So you see, God chooses to show mercy to some, and he chooses to harden the hearts of others so they refuse to listen.”
Romans 9:14–18 NLT
TODAY’S THOUGHT
Having discussed God’s sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau (Romans 9:6–13), Paul anticipates the immediate human reaction: "Is God being unfair?"
Paul responds with an emphatic "Of course not!" He addresses the mystery of God’s sovereignty using two prominent figures from the Old Testament: Moses and Pharaoh.
On this side of eternity, the tension between divine sovereignty and human free will is a deep mystery. Perhaps in heaven there will be a class which helps us fully understand it with glorified minds! In the meantime, Scripture gives us vital anchors to rest our hearts upon.
1. Is God Unfair?
Human beings possess a natural concept of "fairness" rooted in our finite perspective. When we hear that God shows mercy and compassion to whomever He chooses, human logic insists that everyone should be treated identically.
However, the core issue is not human fairness, but divine sovereignty:
God is the Creator of all things; He is under no obligation to His creation.
If God operated strictly based on human "fairness," every single one of us would face judgment because all have sinned (Romans 3:23).
Mercy, by its very definition, is unearned. God is never unjust, but He reserves the sovereign right to extend unmerited favor according to His holy purposes.
2. God Decides to Show Mercy
Paul declares, "So it is God who decides to show mercy. We can neither choose it nor work for it" (v. 16).
This mercy is not something humanity can demand, earn, or manufacture through religious effort or self-discipline. While eternal salvation is freely offered to everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord (Romans 10:13), God's sovereign distribution of covenantal favor and assignment rests entirely in His hands. We don't negotiate with God; we receive His grace with grateful hearts.
3. The Story of Pharaoh: Pride Meets Judgment
To illustrate sovereign purpose, Paul points to Pharaoh during the Exodus. It is worth noting that both Moses and Pharaoh were flawed, sinful men—humanly speaking, neither deserved God's favor.
Throughout Exodus 7–14, the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart is mentioned 15 times:
In several instances, Scripture states that Pharaoh hardened his own heart in pride and defiance against God.
In other instances, Scripture states that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart, handing him over to the obstinacy he chose.
God knew the posture of Pharaoh’s heart from the beginning. As Moses confronted him, Pharaoh repeatedly rejected the opportunity to humble himself. God then used Pharaoh’s stubborn rebellion as a backdrop to display His power, deliver Israel, and spread His fame across the earth.
4. Favor is Driven by Mercy, Not Merit
The driving force behind Paul's argument is simple: we do not earn God’s favor.
No believer can boast that they were smarter, better, or more moral than anyone else. God is sovereign, and His favor in our lives is an act of pure, unmerited mercy. When we realize we didn't earn His grace, pride vanishes and gratitude takes over.
Reflection & Application
Are you willing to rest in holy mystery? Can you accept that God's ways are higher than our human understanding, trusting His character even when you cannot trace His hand?
Are you trying to earn what can only be received? Are you striving to earn God’s favor through human performance, or are you resting in His sovereign mercy?
Is your heart humble before Him? Unlike Pharaoh, who hardened his heart in pride, are you staying tender and yields to the promptings of the Holy Spirit?
TODAY’S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, I acknowledge that You are the sovereign Creator of the universe. Your wisdom is unsearchable, and Your ways are far higher than my finite mind can fully comprehend.
Thank You for showing me mercy when I deserved judgment. Thank You that my relationship with You does not rest on my self-righteousness or human merit, but on Your unmerited favor.
Guard my heart against pride, obstinacy, and defiance. Keep my heart soft and tender before You and help me rest in the assurance that You are working all things together for my ultimate good. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”
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