Eternity Is Our HomeSýnishorn

We Have Gone Astray

In the beginning of all creation, God and humans walked together. Adam and Eve experienced no death, no pain, and no sin. For some time, everything was right in the world. 

This is the world God created for people. While He remained in control, He gave humans power over the rest of creation, calling Adam and Eve to work the ground, to use their resources to build a society. 

All of this made up God’s “very good” creation. It was peaceful. It was right. It was home.

But Adam and Eve were not satisfied with God’s plan for their lives. He instructed them not to eat from tree of knowledge of good and evil, but they chose to anyway. As a result, God banished them from the garden, away from Him, and all humanity has been longing for that sense of home since then. 

When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s commands, they did more than make a single bad decision. They introduced sin into the world, and now, all people naturally follow their rebellious ways. 

Isaiah reminds us of this truth when he compares us to sheep that have gone astray. “We have turned – every one – to his own way”(Isa. 53:6), he writes.

Though we long for the eternal home God has for us, we stay in temporary dwelling places instead, thinking they will satisfy us. We choose our own ways instead of God’s way. 

But that is not the end of the story. The rest of Isaiah 53:6 prophecies that “the Lord has laid on him (Jesus Christ) the iniquity of us all”(Isa. 53:6). Even though we have wronged him, he has made a way for us to come back home. 

The scriptures today remind us of our natural choices to ignore God’s direction towards home. As you read through the verses, think of times that you have chosen your own way instead of His and reflect on how they may have disappointed you. Have they ever led you home?

While you read, allow the fullness of Isaiah 53 to push you closer to God. Trust that He will help lead you towards the right direction home. Thank Him for making a way for us no matter how often we choose the opposite direction.