Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV Strong's)
For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither 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.
Subject: God's Character in Salvation
The above couple of verses are often quoted in times of darkness and in times of trouble. They certainly are a great source, in those moments, to reflect and find peace in the sovereign nature of God in times of trouble. However, in context, the verses are actually not talking about the power and knowledge of God in the midst of darkness. They are the prophet Isaiah's expression after stating the following about God's salvation of His people. Note the verses just before those two are written:
Isaiah 55:6-7 (ESV Strong's)
“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call upon him while he is near;
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.
In verses 8 and 9, we see that they begin with the word, "For ...". That "for" is therefore a reason. The prophet is saying that "God's ways are not man's ways" in the context of the mystery of salvation. God is telling the nation of Israel, through Isaiah, that those who do not deserve God's compassion and pardon can come to God. Yet, that doesn't make sense: That a righteous God would pardon a sinful man. Hence the next verses: My ways are not your ways. Man would not and could not design such a salvation. In fact, in all the world's time no man-made-religion has ever come up with a design of a Savior and a pardon from sin based upon that Savior's death. This is why Isaiah writes, "My ways are not your ways." Yes, these verses are great in times of mystery and trouble, but the real essence of them is in regard to the mystery of salvation. Our salvation is gloriously created!!!
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