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My Ways Are Not Your Ways - Isaiah 54 - 58
My Ways Are Not Your Ways - Isaiah 54 - 58
Following the rejection and subsequent victory, Israel would find redemption in the Messiah. This victory is couched in OT language, but applies to the present age. What the redeemed have in Christ is far greater than the temporal blessings under the OT.
These blessings were not automatic but in fact conditional according to ch. 55. The offer of mercy was freely offered, but they needed to respond by inclining their ear and coming to the Lord (55:3). This would involve the fulfillment of the mercies shown unto David (vs. 3). This would include 'a nation you do not know' (vs. 5, cp. Ephesians 2). Sinners would be able to find such mercy:
Seek the Lord - Call upon the Lord (vs. 6).
Forsake their own way (of sin) and return to the Lord (vs. 7).
The necessity of forsaking our own ways is because they simply are NOT the LORD's ways! His thoughts and His ways are higher than ours! Their thoughts and their ways resulted in sin, which resulted in them being separated from God (Isa. 59:1-2).
Yet, even today people argue that 'it seems to me...', and thus deny what the Lord has said! "There is a way which seems right to man but its end is the way to death" (Prov. 14:12).
God's word will accomplish its purpose. God will do what He says. He will have mercy on those who repent (forsake their thoughts and ways) and return to the LORD. He will also condemn those reject the Messiah (Jesus) [cp. Mark 16:15-16].
Are you still walking in your own ways and thoughts, or are you trusting and obeying the Word of God?
Hugh DeLong
