Today’s Reading: Isaiah 57:15-21

For this is what the high and exalted One says— he who lives forever, whose name is holy: “I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite. 

 

Isaiah 57:15

Reflection

The One Who has drawn near to the contrite and lowly in spirit is the same One Whose Name is Holy. While God draws near to the least of His people, He still remains the Most High. While He put on humanity to walk among us, the Lord through Jesus still remained Divine. It is reasonable to think that a mighty and righteous God would be able to easily (and justifiably) punish those who would choose to live in outright rebellion against Him. But it is perhaps more difficult to imagine that this same God would then choose to forgive the sinful. Though His people increasingly sin against Him throughout history, the Lord would choose to heal them, restore them, forgive them of their sins.

What a true source of Comfort, that God Who does not have to endure the sin of His people chooses not only to endure their sin but also to forgive them of it. What great Peace there is in the reminder that our Lord extends His Mercy and Grace to us. Those who do not think they need God reject the Peace that only He provides. But the healing, transformative Peace of God comes to all who remember and receive the forgiveness He so freely gives.

Prayer

Almighty God, You alone are exalted in Heaven and Earth. You alone are Holy. You alone are seated on High. What a wonder it is that You would choose to rescue a sinner like me. Thank You for Your Love and Compassion upon me, Lord. Thank You for Your Grace by which I have been saved. Please by Your Mercy keep me mindful of all that You have forgiven, that I would remain thankful to You and all that You have done for me by Your Son Jesus Christ. In His Name I pray, AMEN.

 

Thru the Bible in a year (credit: Biblestudytools.com): Luke 1:1-25; Ezekiel 33; Isaiah 57