ROMANS 9:16

“So then, it does not depend on the person who wants it nor the one who runs, but on God who has mercy.”

In times past, when I have been considered for a new job, I became a little anxious about the process. After praying and seeking the Lord’s will about the new opportunity, I would begin to prepare for the new role and consider how I would carry it out if I received the offer. Some of those jobs I really wanted. I did everything in my power (resume, interviews, etc.) to win the job, but the offer of the job was not up to me. It was up to the one(s) who did the hiring.

Paul must have witnessed a lot of foot races in Corinth (where he wrote this letter). He uses the analogy of running throughout his letters. Those runners all ran because they wanted to achieve the prize. They ran in such a way to win it. But that is where the analogy breaks down in today’s verse because that runner could, in his own power, win that race. We cannot, in our power, achieve salvation. Paul says that depends “on God who has mercy.” God is the one who gives us the promise of eternal life. 1 John 5:11 tells us this. “And the testimony is this, that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.”

APPLICATION

The Expositor’s Greek Testament says, “Conclusion from this word of God. It (namely, the experience of God’s mercy) does not depend on man’s resolve or effort but on God’s merciful act.”  Every commentator I looked agreed that God’s mercy is not dependent on anything we do. We have all seen people cry out for mercy who had no desire to change. They just wanted release from some pain or some trouble they were in. My late brother-in-law used to say, “If you want relief, take a Rolaids.” Lol. But to the one who truly desires salvation, God is eager to provide that mercy.

Remember, mercy is not getting something you deserve. What do we all deserve? Hell! God’s provision of mercy on us relieves us of that. Why? Because of the grace poured out on the cross for us. Grace is getting something you don’t deserve. We don’t deserve the grace He gives, and we can’t earn the mercy He shows. Wow! What a Savior!

Now, let me ask you something. Is there someone to whom you need to show mercy? In the story Jesus told about the man who owed ten thousand talents, He makes a statement toward the end that I believe applies here. “‘Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’” Does that apply to you today? It sure hits home with me. Let us show mercy to others in the same way God shows it to us.

Lord, I am so thankful for Your mercy and grace in my life. I know what I deserve, and You have delivered me from it.

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