Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, said the LORD.… I. SPECIFY SOME INSTANCES IN WHICH THIS DECLARATION IS STRIKINGLY ILLUSTRATED. 1. In His production of the most stupendous results from insignificant causes. Nature abounds with illustrations. Providence is still more abundant. Consequences the most stupendous, involving the destinies of individuals, of families, of empires, have arisen out of causes which we deem insignificant. But the most abundant proofs are derived from the history of the Gospel. Our Lord has suggested this view of the subject in His own illustrations — "The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard-seed," and so on. And this is an illustration of the rise and progress of Messiah's Gospel. Who, and what was the Founder of the Gospel — as to His human appearance? 2. In the accomplishment of the most glorious designs by the weakest and most insignificant instruments. Who were the first propagators of the Gospel? In what school were they educated? With what armour did they go forth to the war? 3. In the sovereign exercises of His grace, in connection with its freedom and fulness. II. ASSIGN SOME REASONS FOR THIS. 1. His knowledge is more extensive than our information. 2. His judgment is more accurate than our decisions. 3. His purposes and plans are uninfluenced by our prejudices and passions. 4. It is His determination to humble pride, and His fixed resolution that no creature should glory in His presence. III. LEARN LESSONS OF HUMILITY, GRATITUDE, AND CONFIDENCE. (T. Raffles, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD.WEB: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," says Yahweh. |
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