Puny human!

April 1, 2022 (Friday)

 

There is a certain arrogance that plagues Christians. We think we understand God. It gets worse when we attempt to speak in God’s name. God told us, through the prophet Isaiah, "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." [Isaiah 55:9 ESV]

 

It is humbling to know that the differences between us and God are infinite. Thus, the image of using the heavens as a matter of perspective So far, the furthest humans have physically traveled has been to the moon. I believe it is safe to say that the use of imagery for "heavens" extends far beyond our understanding of the infinite.

 

Yet somehow, we do not notice, admit, or care how small our understanding of God is in this life. Humans have attempted to understand God from the beginning. It has not gone well for those who thought they could understand God. One example is our self-destructive habit of creating religions. Noting this destructive slide, Paul said, "They exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images that look like mortal humans: birds, animals, and reptiles." [Romans 1:23 CEB] Further on, we read, "They traded God’s truth for a lie." [Romans 1:25 CEB]

 

When humans attempt to speak, uninspired, for God, we miss a very simple truth. I like how the NLT puts Isaiah 55:8, "My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts," says the Lord. "And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine." There is no way for a mere mortal to comprehend how God thinks, plans, or acts.

 

Before we despair, God has thrown us a life-line. Our understanding is limited, but God has given us a tool to at least give us an idea of what He requires. It is the Bible! Isaiah continues, "So is my word that comes from my mouth; it does not return to me empty. Instead, it does what I want, and accomplishes what I intend.” [Isaiah 55:11 CEB] Ironically, "the word" also refers to a person.

 

Soon we will be remembering Jesus’ death on the cross and celebrating Jesus’ resurrection. While we are limited in understanding God, there is an action we can, must, and need to understand. Motivated by love, Jesus (God the Son) took our punishment. Motivated by love, God the Father accepted that sacrifice and exchanged Jesus' righteousness for our sin (see 2 Corinthians 5:21). Motivated by love, God the Holy Spirit lives in us.

 

How do I know this? The Bible tells me so.