October 18, 2024
Seek the LORD - Part 5
Isaiah 55:8-9
10/18/2024
8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are
your ways my ways, declares the LORD.
9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so
are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts
than your thoughts. (ESV)
How many religions exist in the world? Many theologians
suggest there are only two, a religion of the law and a religion
of the Gospel. Either you must strive to be good enough for God
to accept you, or God has, Himself, declared you His own child in
spite of your sins. The religion of the law makes great logical
sense, and brings absolutely no comfort. The religion of the
Gospel, that God so loved the world that He gave His only-
begotten Son to pay the price of our sin, to call us to Himself,
makes no sense whatsoever.
Isaiah, writing God's Word as inspired by the Holy Spirit,
addresses this very thought.
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.
Saint Paul made the same point in his first letter to the
congregation in Corinth. ``For the word of the cross is folly to
those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the
power of God. ... For the foolishness of God is wiser than men,
and the weakness of God is stronger than men.''[1] As you hear
these words, know that God, Himself, is inviting you into His
presence to give to You the benefits of Jesus' suffering, death,
and resurrection. Although the world may think this foolish, the
world gives you no comfort. Therefore, please join us at Trinity
Lutheran Church at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday morning to hear of God's
rich love, grace, and mercy.
Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he
who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine
and milk without money and without price.
Amen.
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1. 1 Corinthians 1:18, 25