What does "I will have mercy" teach us about God's character and choices? The Original Setting Exodus 33:19: “And the LORD answered, ‘I will cause all My goodness to pass before you, and I will proclaim My name, the LORD, in your presence. I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.’” • Moses had begged to see God’s glory after Israel’s golden-calf failure (Exodus 32). • God agreed to reveal His “goodness” but made clear that mercy remains His free, sovereign prerogative. Key Phrase: “I Will Have Mercy” • The Hebrew structure repeats for emphasis: “I will have mercy…” “I will have compassion…”—doubling down on God’s deliberate choice. • Paul cites the line in Romans 9:15–18 to underscore the same truth for New-Covenant believers. God’s Character Revealed God is: • Merciful—bent toward pity and relief of misery (Psalm 103:8-13). • Compassionate—feeling and acting for the helpless (Lamentations 3:22-23). • Unchanging—what He showed Moses He still shows us (James 1:17). • Good—His mercy is an expression of His goodness (Exodus 33:19). God’s Sovereign Choices • Mercy is unearned. “So then, it does not depend on man’s desire or effort, but on God’s mercy” (Romans 9:16). • Mercy is purposeful. He chooses to magnify His glory by rescuing the undeserving (Ephesians 2:4-7). • Mercy is consistent with justice. Those He does not pardon receive perfect justice; no one is wronged (Romans 9:18). • Mercy is free yet never random. His choices align with His wise, holy will (Psalm 115:3). Practical Implications for Us • Humility—boasting dies when salvation rests on mercy, not merit (Titus 3:5). • Gratitude—every breath and blessing springs from His compassionate choice (Psalm 136). • Assurance—because mercy flows from His character, it is as dependable as He is (Hebrews 4:16). • Mission—having received mercy, we extend it to others (Luke 6:36). Takeaway Summary “I will have mercy” teaches that God’s heart is rich in pity, His will is utterly free, and His salvation is neither coerced nor capricious but the overflow of perfect goodness. All hope, from Sinai to Calvary to today, rests on that glorious, sovereign mercy. |
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