Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7
Recognizing and admitting that we need the living water are the first steps in quenching the parched existence that comes from living separate from God. But now it is time to roll up our sleeves and get down to the nitty gritty. We can only receive this life giving, life changing sustenance from God when we recognize the need for our own personal change. We can’t change ourselves. We are too human and not strong enough. We try hard, but fail often and Satan stalks us and attacks us at our weakness every chance he gets. We must rely on God if there is ever going to be any change in our lives.
Recognition of the necessity of personal change v.7-9
Man apart from God is “wicked” and “unrighteous”. We do not want to see ourselves as such because no one sets out to be evil, but if we are doing things not led by God that is exactly what we are.
Man apart from God is “wicked” and “unrighteous”. We do not want to see ourselves as such because no one sets out to be evil, but if we are doing things not led by God that is exactly what we are.
The beginning of spiritual power and relationship with God is through repentance:
1. Turn from sin. Let the wicked forsake his way…
2. Submit your thoughts to God's control. - …let him return to the LORD
3. Receive forgiveness for a new relationship. and He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon. God’s grace is His desire to pardon.
The apartness of God's thoughts and ways. v.8-9 ForMy thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
The logic of grace doesn’t compute with us. Our logical mind cannot comprehend the grace of God to pardon without penalty and forgive without repayment. We’ll never actually get it. But realizing that humbles us, which is the beginning, the middle, and the end of our salvation. If we’ll keep listening humbly to his Word, God will surprise us with what he can do. No man can come to God through the highest of reasoning. He is inaccessible to the groping of finite man. He is to be received by faith – a grace gift for all who desire it enough to simply come.
Scripture to Claim:
And He was saying to them all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
