Scripture Focus:
“…For God has consigned all to disobedience, that He may have mercy on all.” — Romans 11: 28-32 (ESV)
“9 for when you return to Yahweh, your brothers and your sons will receive mercy in the presence of their captors and will return to this land. For Yahweh your God is gracious and merciful; He will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.” 2 Chronicles 30:9 (HSCB)
Introduction
In a world that often rewards performance and appearance, the gospel offers something radically different: mercy for the broken, grace for the undeserving, and a divine invitation to walk humbly before God. Romans 11:28–32 paints this truth in bold strokes—reminding us that we are not here by merit, but by mercy.
This is a reflection on what it means to be humbled by God’s mercy. And as 2 Chronicles 30:9 reminds us, God’s mercy isn’t limited. He is always ready to receive the disobedient, the wayward, and even those we are tempted to judge. This verse highlights the ripple effect of God’s mercy. It shows how our return to Him, enabled by His mercy, extends that same mercy to others.
1. Mercy Levels the Ground (Romans 11:30–32)
Paul speaks candidly: the Gentiles were once disobedient, but through Israel’s disobedience, they received mercy. Now, through that same mercy shown to Gentiles, Israel will be shown mercy again.
This is not just a lesson in theology—it’s a call to deep humility.
We must never become judgmental toward those who are currently walking in disobedience. Why? Because it was through their disobedience that we came into mercy. Their fall opened a door for our inclusion. And now, God is planning their restoration.
This truth destroys any room for superiority. Instead, it births gratitude and intercession. If God showed us mercy when we didn’t deserve it, how can we refuse mercy (compassion) toward others who are in the same condition we once were?
One of the most humbling truths of the gospel is this: we are all saved by mercy (Ephesians 2:4-5), not by merit. In Romans 11, Paul reveals a divine paradox: the disobedience of some opened the door for others to obtain mercy. But God’s intention doesn’t stop there; He desires to show mercy to all, even those still walking in disobedience today.
That’s why we cannot afford to be judgmental.
Just as Israel’s stumbling brought salvation to the Gentiles, so God is using every moment in history to extend His hand of compassion. Paul reminds us, “the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” He doesn’t give up on people—even when they fall. Instead, He waits with mercy.
And 2 Chronicles 30:9a assures us: “If you return to the Lord… He will not turn away His face from you.” God’s heart is always open.
This is our call, to walk in humility, not pride; to extend compassion, not judgment; to remember that mercy was given to us, and mercy is still being offered to others.
2. The Heart of God Is Always Towards Restoration (2 Chronicles 30:9)
“For the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away His face from you if you return to Him.”
Hezekiah’s words to the returning Israelites echo across the centuries. Whether it’s the disobedient Israel in the Old Testament or the Gentiles in the New Testament (including you and I), God’s desire has always been to restore, not to reject.
Even now, for the prodigal, the skeptic, the fallen believer; the door of mercy is open. Our failings don’t disqualify us from God’s plan; instead, they reveal our deep need for His mercy. This does not excuse sin, but it magnifies the love of a God who chooses restoration over rejection, compassion over condemnation. And if we are to reflect God’s heart, we must be people who show mercy, not condemnation, partnering with God as fragrance/vessels of His mercy towards all.
3. The Irrevocable Call (Romans 11:29)
“The gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.”
God’s call does not depend on performance; it flows from His eternal love. He didn’t change His mind about Israel when they disobeyed. And He won’t change His mind about us when we stumble.
This unshakable truth guards us against pride. It reminds us that the mercy we’ve received was not earned, and it invites us to hope that those still living in disobedience may one day experience that same mercy.
4. Humility Over Judgment
Understanding mercy should never lead to arrogance. If anything, it should make us, believers, the least judgmental people in the world. How can I look down on someone lost in disobedience when I know that it was mercy, not merit, that saved me?
Paul’s message is clear: those who are now far off may yet be drawn in (Ephesians 2:13). And we, who were once disobedient, now stand as living proof that God’s mercy triumphs over sin.
5. What Humility Looks Like
Humility is not weakness, it’s the strength to say:
- “I was no better. I was once disobedient.”
- “I needed mercy, and I received it.”
- “It was someone’s disobedience that gave me access to God’s mercy”
- “I will not judge; I will love, intercede, and wait for others to come home.”
Like Hezekiah, we become voices of hope to those who are still wandering.
Living as Vessels of Mercy
When we truly embrace God’s mercy, we become instruments of that same mercy to others.
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8
Humility and mercy are inseparable in the Kingdom lifestyle. To embrace mercy is to surrender our pride, acknowledge our need, and choose to live under the Lordship of Christ. Humility is the door through which mercy enters, and mercy is the fragrance left behind when humility walks the room.
Personal Reflection Questions and Call to Action:
- Have I forgotten how far God has brought me by His mercy?
- In what ways am I tempted to judge others who are disobedient?
- How can I become an agent of mercy to those still far from God?
- If you’re in sin-run to His mercy.
- If you’re broken-receive His mercy.
- If you’ve received mercy-be a vessel/fragrance of mercy.
Take time this week to pray for someone who seems far from God. Ask the Lord to give you a heart of mercy, not criticism. You were once disobedient too… and you were welcomed in.
A Prayer of Response
Lord, thank You for showing me mercy when I was disobedient. Forgive me for every time I’ve judged others who are still where I once was. Remind me that it might have been their disobedience and rebellion that opened a door for me. Also, remind me that You desire to show them mercy too. Lord, teach me to walk humbly before You. Let me never forget the mercy I received. Help me extend that same mercy to others. Make me an ambassador of grace.
In Jesus’ name, amen.
Final Thought
Mercy humbles us. It changes how we see ourselves and how we see others. The disobedient are not our enemies; they are future recipients of the same mercy we’ve tasted. Let us never be quick to condemn but always ready to welcome, pray, and hope.
“Mercy is what God gave me—Mercy is what I’ll give for free!”
The Anointed Scribe’s Lamp 
May I live as a vessel of Your mercy, Lord🙌🙌🙌
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