High Thoughts and Ways (Isa. 55:6–13)
Why does God say His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, “as the heavens are higher than the earth” (Isa. 55:8, 9, NRSV)? What do you think that means?
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There’s no question that the God who created a universe in which
even some of the simplest things contain mysteries that our minds cannot begin to fathom is a God whose ways are beyond what we can ever begin to fully grasp. This knowledge of His infinite superiority should, therefore, make it easier for us to humbly receive His help. (See Isa. 57:15.)
Read Isaiah 55:6–9. What is the context in which the Lord talks about how His ways and thoughts are higher than what we can imagine? What is He saying He does that is so hard for us to grasp?
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Of all the great mysteries of the universe, no doubt the greatest one of
all is the plan of salvation, a mystery we can only barely begin to understand.
(See Eph. 6:19.) That the Creator of the universe would stoop to
clothe Himself in humanity, live a life of toil and suffering, only then to
die in our behalf, a sacrifice for sin, all in order that He could pardon
us and show mercy to us is a truth that will thrill the hearts of God’s
created beings for all the ages of eternity.
“The theme of redemption is one that angels desire to look into; it will
be the science and the song of the redeemed throughout the ceaseless
ages of eternity. Is it not worthy of careful thought and study now? . . .
“The subject is inexhaustible. The study of the incarnation of Christ,
His atoning sacrifice, and mediatorial work will employ the mind of
the diligent student as long as time shall last; and looking to heaven
with its unnumbered years, he will exclaim, ‘Great is the mystery of
godliness.’ ”—Ellen G. White, My Life Today, p. 360.
Look at the bad things you have done: the people whom you
have hurt, the unkind words you have spoken, the ways in which
you have disappointed others, not to mention yourself. And yet,
through Jesus, you can be forgiven for all these things and stand,
right now, perfect and righteous in the sight of God. If that isn’t
a mystery, what is?