And he (Moses) said, “I beseech You, show me Your Glory.” And He said, “I shall make all My goodness pass before you and I shall proclaim the name of the LORD before you and I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious and I will show compassion on whom I will show compassion. Exodus 33:18-19 One New Man Bible
Previously, I had viewed this scripture in the restrictive sense. In other words, God was limiting His grace and compassion by saying this. As if God is saying, only a few people are afforded His grace, but not all.
Actually, the intent of the verse is exactly opposite. God is explaining to Moses about His goodness and His great mercy. In effect, God is telling Moses, “My grace and compassion are beyond your understanding.”
God and Moses are having this conversation because the nation of Israel had broken their covenant with The Almighty God by worshiping a golden calf. In Exodus 32:30 Moses told the people their sin was so great that he was not sure God would be willing to forgive them for it. You see, it was Moses who was doubting the limits of God’s mercy. And he was causing the people of Israel to doubt as well.
All of chapter 33 is Moses speaking with God face to face on Israel’s behalf. It is in that context, God says, “I will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and I will show compassion on whom I will show compassion.” God wanted Moses to know that His mercy knows no bounds. God’s ways are higher than our ways; God’s thoughts are higher than our thoughts (See Is. 55:6-9). God’s mercy is not restricted! God’s mercy is greater than we could ask or even imagine! Praise God!
The Jewish disciples of Jesus had trouble imagining that God’s mercy extended to the unbelieving Gentiles. You can read about that raucous debate in Acts 11. Peter explained in detail how God gave the Gentiles the same gift He had given them. Then Peter asked, “Who was I to be able to hinder God?” They were stunned to silence. In their mind, there were limits to God’s mercy. But God will be gracious to whom He will be gracious, and He will show compassion to whom He will show compassion. And aren’t you glad He does!!
Again and again God’s goodness and mercy flow beyond the boundaries we put on it. Are their people or situations in your life that you just cannot forgive? God’s mercy is already there! God will be gracious to whom He will be gracious, and He will show compassion on whom He will show compassion. That is our gracious and merciful God!!