READ:
Isaiah 55:6-13
My thoughts are not your
thoughts, nor are your ways
My ways. - Isaiah 55:8
There are a lot of things that intrigue me about Jesus. One of the aspects of His ministry that has always produced jaw-dropping, head-scratching responses is His upside-down teaching about life.
As we journey through life, we may get to the point where we think we've got it figured out and our thought patterns and responses for navigating through life are deeply engrained. Yet Jesus interrupts us in the midst of our routines and calls us to a new and better way. But beware! This encounter with the ways of Jesus will be challenging.
Consider these paradoxical propositions: to live you must die (Mark 8:35); to gain you must give (Matthew 19:21); "blessed are those who mourn" (5:4); to rule you must serve (Luke 22:26); and suffering has purpose (5:10-11).
It is pronouncements like these that make people think Christ is strangely out of touch. But we are the ones out of touch. He is not upside down, we are! We're like children who think they know better than their parents what is best.
No wonder God has told us, "My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways" (Isaiah 55:8). So, rather than relying on our mixed-up instincts, let's ask Him to help us reflect His ways. -Joe Stowell
Lord, You know what is best, and You desire to lead
us in paths that are right and good. Give us the
courage to trust and to follow You in the ways
of righteousness for Your name's sake. Amen.
*******************************************
What may seem upside down to us
is right side up to God.
INSIGHT
The opening portion of today's Bible reading (vv.6-8) offers three tremendous statements about God's dealing with people. First, He is near and waiting for us to call on Him (v.6). Second, there is mercy for those who will turn to Him for pardon (v.7). Third, His ways of accomplishing His purposes are beyond our grasp (v.8). These are great reminders of our need to rest in Him and to trust His grace.
Have a blessed day.
God Our Creators Love Always
Unity & Peace
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