God's Infinite Ways

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Isaiah 53-55 and Mark 13:1-20

Opening the OT readings is the well-known Isa 53, the entire of which is Messianic in nature.
This was also the portion of which the Ethiopian eunuch had been reading from, when Philip had approached his chariot in Act 8:32,33.
Isa 55 is a fitting conclusion in response to the glorious plan that God had laid out before the foundation of the world (1Pe 1:18-20)

We note of
1) God's infinite wisdom
Isa 55:8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.
Isa 55:9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.

Truly, as Paul wrote "Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men." (1Co 1:25)
Man can never find spiritual peace from the carnal! True treasure lies up above and not of this world. We would all do well to submit to God's wisdom by following His Word! Stop the second guessing. Stop the human traditions and bias. Stop the worldly rationalising. Just trust and obey!

2) God's infinite mercy
Isa 55:7 Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.
God is ever ready to receive the penitent! God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked! (Ezk 18:23). As Peter reaffirmed, the Lord wants all the come unto repentance (2Pe 3:9)
Yet His mercy is only extended to those who would forsake evil and turn to the Lord. "Turn us again"! was the Psalmist's cry, thrice over in Psa 80. Most surely, our constant prayer is for tender, contrite hearts, only with which can be found pleasing to Him (Psa 51:17).

3) God's infinite will
Isa 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.
Our Lord Jesus, in his final hours of great anguish and stress, prayed thus:"...O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." (Mat 26:39) and then again "...O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done." (Mat 26:42)
God's will and power through His Word is everlasting from creation till the end. Jesus said 4 times over, "I am Alpha and Omega" (Rev 1:8,11; 21:6; 22:13). God's Will will be done, only question is, what is man's response to that? He has willed for a plan of salvation for man, yet it remains our choice to either accept or reject Him.

Our prayer and hope for all to recognise the infinite ways of God and turn to Him, for He is just and merciful to those that call upon Him.

in Him
Paul

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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. ~ 1Corinthians 1:25