20 September 2020

For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.

From Isaiah 55:6-9  NRSV

The prophet Isaiah is speaking to all who will listen to encourage them to repent of their sins and to seek God’s forgiveness. It is probable that many would have thought their sins too wicked to be forgiven. These were people who had hitherto believed in a God who would punish them and their children for their faults. Isaiah wants them to understand that God’s ways are completely different from human thinking; that God does not hold our sins against us but rather rejoices in our repentance and loves us without limit. Isaiah explains that God’s bountiful love and forgiveness is there for all who not only change from their wicked behaviour but also from their evil thoughts. Perhaps the first type of change is easier than the second, but the reward for this true repentance is a life free from all the limits caused by the negative feelings that our human mind imposes.

• • Is there a difference between change of behaviour and change of thinking? What might we do to change negative or sinful thinking?
  • Is there a sin or past wrong that you wish to be released from? What might be standing in the way of receiving God’s abundant forgiveness?

Pray for those who feel that they are beyond the reach of God’s forgiveness.