Notes of Faith September 17, 2025

Undeserved Pardon

When Joseph saw Benjamin with [his brothers], he said to the steward of his house, “Take these men to my home, and slaughter an animal and make ready; for these men will dine with me at noon.”

Genesis 43:16

Two important theological words often get used interchangeably—grace and mercy. But they are different, as evidenced by their use in the same sentences in the New Testament (1 Timothy 1:2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4). Grace is receiving something good that we do not deserve, while mercy is being spared something bad that we do deserve.

When Jacob prepared his sons to return to Egypt to get food for their family, he hoped that “the man”—meaning Joseph—would grant them mercy (Genesis 43:14). That is, that they would be spared the wrath of the Egyptian official for apparently stealing his silver in their previous trip to Egypt. For more than one reason, Joseph’s brothers deserved judgment. But when they returned to Egypt, instead of judgment they were shown mercy. Joseph prepared a banquet for them to celebrate their return. They were spared judgment (mercy) but were shown an undeserved welcome (grace).

Thank God for the grace and mercy shown to you and look for opportunities to show them to others.

Every time you draw your breath you suck in mercy.

Thomas Watson

God pours out His grace and mercy upon us every moment of every day. Many do not recognize or refuse to recognize that this grace and mercy come from God alone. Sometimes we miss this truth. But God is faithful and will continue to reveal and declare His existence and presence among His creation! His Word is true and pure. It has, is, and will come to pass. Heaven and earth will pass away but the Word of God stands forever! Pray that your sphere of influence might know the true God, have intimate relationship with Him and receive His full grace and mercy entering the eternal kingdom of Jesus, our Savior and Redeemer!

Pastor Dale