Salvation: A Study in IsaiahSample

What does it say?

God’s thoughts and ways are higher than man’s thoughts and ways. God’s Word achieves His purpose, just as rain and snow water the earth and produce food.

What does it mean?

Isaiah’s prophecy foreshadows God’s invitation for Gentiles to experience His salvation. At the time, it wasn’t conceivable that anyone outside of Israel could enter into God’s everlasting covenant. The Lord freely offers forgiveness to anyone who turns and calls on Him. The “thoughts and ways” by which God accomplished the salvation of the world are “higher” than man’s. The suffering Servant in chapter 53 is vastly different from the Messiah Israel envisioned. Those who trust in Him can have confidence that God’s Word will accomplish His purpose – the salvation and satisfaction of their souls.

How should I respond?

Today’s passage is like a roadmap to a higher plane of thought – God’s thoughts. The mind of God is revealed in the promises and principles of Scripture. Every part of God's Word accomplishes its purpose when it goes out through Bible teaching, preaching, and study. God’s first purpose for His Word in your life is salvation through a relationship with Jesus Christ. As that relationship deepens, Scripture begins the process of shaping you into His image. Little by little, your thoughts begin to line up with His thoughts on a higher plane. What will you allow God’s Word to accomplish in your life today?