For God has bound everyone over to disobedience so that he may have mercy on them all.
OBSERVATION
In this passage Paul answers the question, "How do we get to know the mercy of God?" It would be impossible to experience God's mercy if we never drift away from His ways. The proper punishment for our sin is death, but God's mercy is revealed through our disobedience so no one can claim is their own doing. His mercy and grace abounds even more when we disobey His ways.
APPLICATION
Lately I've been having the same conversation with many people about why God doesn't take our weaknesses away. We may be obedient for a while but then our sinful nature kicks in again and we end up walking in disobedience. We hate the process because it makes us feel like we are not growing or being set free, or even worse, that God doesn't care. One person asked me, "Does God enjoy allowing the enemy causing me to fall in my sin?"
This passage reveals that one of the reasons why we continue struggle in our walk with Christ is the revelation of God's mercy. We have experienced the love and mercy of God in our salvation, but God knows we need to be reminded that His mercy is not a one time deal, it's a constant flow of love from His heart to us. We cannot experience mercy unless we disobey. That's why God allows the many thorns in our flesh because in our weakness He is strong. It's not about us being good, it's always about God being merciful. Is this a license to continue living in sin or to abuse God's mercy? Of course not! It's actually a motivation to stay closer to God in obedience. But when God notices that we are getting self reliant confident in our own efforts, He may allow some temptation so we can rely on his mercy, not only to be forgiven, but also to be empowered to overcome temptation.
PRAYER
Dear heavenly Father, during this season of reflection I have a new appreciation for your mercy in my life. I understand than when I fall I have an opportunity to experience your mercy once again.
