His Ways Are Higher

Verse: Romans 9:14-26
What then shall we say? Is God unjust? Not at all! For He says to Moses, ‘I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy. For Scripture says to Pharaoh: ‘I raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display my power in you and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth.'”

Devotion:
In our journey of faith, we often encounter questions and doubts about God’s justice and fairness. I know I do, all the time. Life is hard and we live in a broken world. We may wonder why some people seem to receive abundant blessings while others face hardships and trials. Paul addresses this in Romans 9:14-16, reminding us of the truth that God’s mercy and compassion are not dependent on us, our desire or effort, but entirely on His sovereign will.

Paul begins by asking the question, “Is God unjust?” He immediately denies this notion, reminding us that God’s character is inherently just and righteous. Our limited, earthly  human understanding may struggle to comprehend the ways of God, but we can trust that His ways are perfect and beyond our comprehension. His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)

Paul then quotes from Exodus 33:19, where God declares to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.” These words show the divine authority of God to extend His mercy and compassion according to His sovereign will. It is not based on our merits or efforts, but on His grace alone.

Somehow, this is both humbling and comforting. It humbles us because it reminds us that we are utterly dependent on God’s mercy and grace. We cannot earn or deserve His favor, we will always fall short, no matter how hard we try. God’s favor is a gift freely given. However, these verses can also be a comfort because it assures us that God’s mercy and grace are available to all who seek Him. No one is beyond the reach of His compassion.

Paul refers to Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt during the time of Moses. God raised Pharaoh up for a specific purpose, to display His power and proclaim His name throughout the earth. Even in Pharaoh’s hardened heart and stubbornness, God’s sovereign plan was at work. His purposes are not limited by human choices or circumstances. He can use even the most challenging situations to accomplish His will.

As I think about these verses, i find hope and assurance in the sovereign mercy of God. I trust that His ways are higher than my ways, and His plans are perfect, even if I don’t understand them on this side of Heaven. May we humbly seek His mercy and compassion, knowing that it is freely available to all who turn to Him. And may we rest in the assurance that God’s power and glory will be proclaimed throughout the earth, even in the midst of a heartbreaking, fallen, broken world.

Prayer:
Lord, we thank You for Your sovereign mercy and compassion. Help us to trust in Your perfect ways, even when we struggle to understand them. Teach us to humbly seek You, knowing that Your love is freely available to all who turn to You. Thank you for choosing me, offering me grace and mercy even when I have nothing to bring to the table. Help me to find peace in knowing You will see your perfect plan to completion. Amen.

Author: Becca Artymenko