The Hound of Heaven

God's mercy operates differently than human fairness, as illustrated in the contrasting stories of Nebuchadnezzar and Belshazzar in Daniel. While both kings sinned gravely, God patiently gave Nebuchadnezzar time to repent but brought immediate judgment on Belshazzar. Romans 9 explains this apparent inconsistency by revealing that God's mercy is entirely His sovereign choice—not based on human merit or actions.

This uncomfortable truth challenges our self-sufficiency. Our salvation isn't a cooperative effort where God extends an offer and we choose to accept it. Rather, it's an 'uncomfortably unilateral' rescue mission where God finds us spiritually dead and commands us to life. This should bring tremendous relief—our eternal security doesn't depend on our ability to choose or remain faithful, but on God's unwavering commitment to us. The wonder isn't why some aren't saved but why any of us are saved at all. Like the mother in 'The Runaway Bunny' who always finds ways to reach her child, God relentlessly pursues us with His love, even when we're running away.