THE CASE FOR GOD’S MERCY

“For he saith to Moses, I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” — Romans 9:15 (KJV)

There is the story in Luke 18:9–14 of two people who went into the temple to pray: one was a Pharisee, and the other was a tax collector.

The Pharisee approached God with mixed attitudes.

First, he thanked God: “I thank thee, God.”

Then, he began to negotiate with God, stating his piety and sanctimonious way of life:

1. I am not greedy.

2. I am not dishonest.

3. I am not an adulterer.

4. I am not like everybody else.

5. I am not like the tax collector.

6. I fast twice a week.

7. I give a tenth of all my income.

He could not have done all these without the help of God. And sincerely, in today's world, he must be born again to gain access to the grace that provides such strength (John 3:3; 1 Corinthians 15:10).

There was another man—the tax collector—whose prayer was simply: “God be merciful to me a sinner” (Luke 18:13).

This form of prayer cannot last more than a minute. He had nothing to boast about or negotiate with God over. He had no grounds for self-righteousness or any claim to God's favour based on his own merits. But he simply sought MERCY.

And here is Jesus' verdict:

“I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” — Luke 18:14 (KJV)

You might think this was an act of injustice on God's part. Is it not godly, laudable, and spiritual to pray, fast, give, and remain blameless before God?

The problem with this pattern of life is the sense of entitlement and self-deservedness with which one approaches God's presence.

The man had come to see his pious and spiritual life as a basis for settlement and transaction with God rather than as an expression of relationship, gratitude, and devotion.

The tax collector had nothing to boast about—not even a tithe to present as a reason to seek divine prosperity. But he appealed to God's mercy, and he received it.

So, God will choose whom He decides to show mercy to, and His choice does not depend on what people want or try to do.

“So then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.”— Romans 9:16 (KJV)

Therefore, mercy is God justifying the helpless, providing strength and escape routes for the weak, and helping the forsaken find a voice in the world. It is God demonstrating to the world that the race is not necessarily won by the swift, nor the battle by the strong (Ecclesiastes 9:11). It is a reminder that human ability alone cannot guarantee success.

While university professors may pride themselves on their certificates, numerous diplomas, and publications in international journals, some of the greatest discoveries and innovations have come from people without formal academic qualifications. Men and women without certificates or years of academic training have made remarkable discoveries, explored new possibilities, and made positive impacts on the world.

Does this justify an apathetic attitude towards education? No! Rather, it teaches us that no one should glory in personal strength or achievement. Education is valuable, diligence is necessary, and knowledge is desirable; nevertheless, none of these should become grounds for boasting before God (Jeremiah 9:23–24; 1 Corinthians 1:27–29).

I am someone who strongly believes in his abilities and strength. I once believed I could not fail any examination until I sat for an examination and the paper disappeared into thin air. Whether by chance or by choice, failure slapped me in the face until I learned to trust in God rather than in my abilities and stubborn self-confidence.

When God called Babalola, one of the fathers of faith in Nigeria and beyond, he was an ordinary caterpillar driver. He had no previous record of being a Christian or a prayerful man. Yet, divine favour found him, and he excelled in life and ministry beyond many he met in the faith. He received extraordinary strength to spend long hours and days in prayer and fasting. Was this merely human strength? No! It was God's mercy at work in his life (1 Corinthians 15:10).

There are respected bankers and financial experts living in debt, while an ordinary roadside mechanic is giving loans to others. Human qualifications and professional expertise have their place, but they do not guarantee every desired outcome. Mercy speaks louder than a sense of entitlement.

The greatest hindrance to our prayers today, as Christians, is often the sense of entitlement with which we approach God.

We recount how much we have given freely to others. We spend long hours talking about our days of solitary devotion and fasting. We pray with a sense of transaction rather than with a deep desire for MERCY AND FAVOUR.

We tell God that we must be blessed because we pay our tithes and give to others. We proudly tell Him how many days we have fasted throughout the year. We tell Him that we cannot be sick because we have done everything we believe makes us deserving of divine protection. Yet, we fail to seek refuge in HIS MERCY.

But let us be clear: God honours prayer, fasting, giving, obedience, and hard work. These are valuable expressions of faith and devotion. However, they are not currencies with which we purchase God's grace. We are saved by grace, not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8–9). Even our good works are the fruit of God's grace at work in us (Philippians 2:13).

While hard work pays, prayer and fasting are spiritually rewarding, and a life of holiness is desirable, there is one thing that gives the undeserving an edge: MERCY.

The tax collector approached God with humility and reverence, acknowledging his need for mercy. The Pharisee, however, trusted in his own righteousness and looked down on others (Luke 18:9). Those who approach God with a sense of entitlement miss the truth that His grace cannot be bought with money, religious activities, or long prayers.

As Romans 9:15 reminds us, God's mercy rests on His sovereign will. We cannot compel Him by our achievements, nor can we purchase His favour through religious performances. We can only humble ourselves before Him, trusting in His goodness and grace.

Lord, show me Your MERCY!

Let me hear the voice that says, “I AM HIGHLY FAVOURED!” May Your grace open doors that my strength cannot open, sustain me where my abilities fail, and accomplish in my life what human effort alone cannot achieve.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

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A Serving Missionary — Living Grace Christian Missions, Ilara

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