It's All About God's Mercy

“What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Absolutely not! For he says to Moses: “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” Therefore, it does not depend on human desire or exertion, but on God, who shows mercy. For the scripture says to Pharaoh: “For this very purpose I have raised you up, that I may demonstrate my power in you, and that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” So then, God has mercy on whom he chooses to have mercy, and he hardens whom he chooses to harden.” Romans 9:14-18 NET

The verses I have highlighted might give the impression that God is capricious in His interactions with humanity. However, a closer examination reveals that His methods are more deliberate and calculated than they may appear at first glance. God consistently seeks to illustrate that there is no favoritism in His election; it is not influenced by human will or desire. His favor is entirely based on His own choice to show mercy. God’s mercy and compassion are deeply rooted in His desire to cultivate faith in those who seek Him. This genuine and heartfelt trust believes in God’s ability to achieve what is deemed impossible from a human perspective, even when such hopes seem far-fetched.

It is through believing loyalty that God honors and responds actively in the lives of individuals who earnestly pursue Him. He longs for people to see Him in this light and yearns to reveal His strength and power in the lives of those who place their unreserved trust and faith in Him.

Now, let’s consider Pharaoh. Was he predestined for failure and destruction from the beginning? I believe the answer is yes, primarily because Pharaoh consciously chose to trust and remain loyal to the created gods of Egypt, which were fundamentally inferior to Yahweh, the one true God of heaven. Throughout his reign, Pharaoh displayed a hardened heart that rejected any beliefs that contradicted his own, especially anything emanating from the Jewish people, whom he regarded as inferior. In essence, God merely affirmed and reinforced the hardness of Pharaoh’s heart. This dynamic is precisely what Yahweh aimed to reveal: that there is no deity besides Him, and the other gods in whom Pharaoh and the Egyptians placed their faith were mere spiritual counterfeits—impostors incapable of delivering true power or salvation.

Did Pharaoh have opportunities for repentance and change? Absolutely. Throughout the ordeal, many Egyptians witnessed the extraordinary signs and wonders performed by Yahweh, such as the devastating plagues that swept through the land, targeting their industry and agricultural system, as well as their paltry gods. These displays were not merely acts of judgment against the Egyptian gods, but also invitations for transformation. Consequently, many Egyptians began to believe in the God of the Hebrews. This shift was of profound significance, as it motivated them to offer the Jewish people their treasures of gold, silver, and precious trinkets as they prepared to leave. This act served dual purposes: it was a form of restitution for the generations of brutal enslavement suffered by the Hebrews, and it was also an attempt to appease Yahweh’s wrath, seeking His mercy from the God they had previously dishonored.

The narrative emphasizes a profound truth: despite the overwhelming evidence of Yahweh’s power, the decision to believe, repent, and choose the path of faith ultimately rested in the hands of the national leader, particularly Pharaoh, who had the authority to guide the spiritual future of the nation of Egypt. This serves as a potent reminder of the critical choices we all encounter and the significant ramifications those choices can have on our lives and the lives of others in our nation or community. 

What implications does this have for us as individuals and as a united community of faith? Are we genuinely created to fulfill a greater purpose within this intricate mosaic of existence? It’s a profound consideration that God may elevate us, much like Pharaoh, to demonstrate His power and grace through our own unique narratives and collective experiences. Just as Pharaoh resisted divine influence, we have the power to choose—to harden our hearts or to be like pliable clay in the hands of the potter, allowing Him to mold us into reflections of His character and glory. This concept transcends individual introspection; it touches on our identity as a collective body, illustrating a divine pattern that weaves through every aspect of life itself, where God reveals His power and majesty through our many trials and our victories.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 8:18, offers us both comfort and challenge: “The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that is about to be revealed in us.” This powerful verse encourages us to view our current trials, not as mere burdens or obstacles, but as integral components in a grander, divine narrative. Each of us is fundamentally designed to reflect God’s extraordinary glory. This transformative process often involves enduring necessary suffering, serving as a crucible for our spiritual and personal growth.

It’s crucial to understand that this suffering is not a form of punitive punishment for our failures. Instead, it serves as a spiritual forge—refining our character and deepening our faith in profound ways. It beckons us to detach from the fleeting attractions of personal ambitions, urging us to cultivate a mindset that is not self-centered but entirely focused on God’s ultimate purpose and will. Through this significant shift in perspective, we learn to surrender our limited understanding and wholeheartedly trust in God’s divine wisdom, which guides us through life’s complexities.

As we navigate this spiritual journey, God’s glory becomes increasingly evident, shining through as He removes barriers that obstruct His intended plan for our lives. These barriers may include our insecurities, unhealthy attachments, or distractions that divert us from our true calling. By embracing this transformative journey and allowing God to work within us, we can experience more profound revelations of His boundless love and majesty, ultimately fulfilling our roles as vessels designed to reflect His glory for the world to witness.

Just as Pharaoh encountered daunting trials that tested his leadership and conviction, our national leaders face equally daunting challenges that require courage, wisdom, and faith. Their choices have far-reaching implications, reminding us that the journey of faith is not just a personal struggle but also a collective one that impacts society at large. This constantly reminds us that we need to pray and intercede for our leaders, that God may continue to speak to them and guide them into His truth.

Stephen Barnett