The Supremacy of God
Hello Bride of Christ,
Have you ever walked into the middle of two people's conversation? You catch bits and pieces of the conversation. I remember a time at my grandmother's house. I came from the back room into the kitchen to find my grandmother and mother sitting at the table deep in conversation. Their faces were serious and I could sense the emotion was tense. Based on the pieces of the conversation I could understand they were speaking of someone who had just passed away and the horrible betrayal they had endured. The more I listened the more concerned I became. So concerned I built up enough courage to interrupt them and ask "Who has died?" The question just laid there for what seemed like an eternity in the air. My mother and grandmother looked at each other and smiled. Leaving me more confused. Then they rattled off the character's name from the Spanish soap opera they both had been watching last evening!
Not having full context of a situation, statement, conversation can lead us down an emotional rollercoaster or taking misguided steps based on lack of information. Even worse yet we could miss the power and encouragement trying to be conveyed. Well the same can be said for the word of God. We must be careful to remember the context of the scriptures we often quote. Today's scripture I am sure you will recognize for it is quoted often in Christian circles and beyond:
"'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8)
Often this quote is used to encourage Christians in times of distress and waiting to reduce anxiety and reassure the person God has them. This is not an incorrect use of the verse, but it limits its power and diminishes God's supremacy when not given in the full context of scripture.
Bride of Christ, this scripture is placed in the midst of an invitation. An invitation to abundant life! It is an invitation from God Himself!
Who does He invite? Everyone who thirsts, has financial distress, consumers of items that do not satisfy, and/or seekers of God. Simply EVERYONE!
Why does He extend this invitation? He sees your weariness and poor decisions, "Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?" (Isaiah 55:2)
How does He expect those invited to respond? He desires for you to listen and listen carefully to Him (Isaiah 55:2). Incline your ear and come to Him! (Isaiah 55:3)
What is in stored for those who respond to the invitation? The Lord says, "I will make an everlasting covenant with you." (Isaiah 55:3)
This abundant life God is inviting us to is for the here and now. It is for us to RSVP today! "Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near, Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord and He will have mercy on him and to our God for He will abundantly pardon." (Isaiah 55:7)
See the quote we often say ""'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8) is the explanation of this abundant life invitation. It is not the abundant life invitation. Since God's thoughts are not ours and His ways are not ours when we receive an invitation from Him let's respond in the manner He desires for us to respond. Let us become seekers of Him.
Let us call upon Him. Let us forsake our ways and our thoughts. Let us return to Him.
Bride of Christ, do not settle in powerless submission to the supremacy of God, but instead recognize this Supreme God desires to invite you to live life with Him abundantly satisfied letting your soul delight itself in abundance (Isaiah 55: 2). It is a promise if you respond today " You shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace." (Isaiah 55:12) Had we not looked at the entirety of this invitation we would not know we were invited. We would not know we had to RSVP. We would not know what promise we were passing up. Now you know. So how will you respond?
