ISAIAH 55:6-11
There are a number of things about Jesus that fascinate me. His life teaching is one component of His ministry that has always generated jaw-dropping and head-scratching reactions.
As we progress through life, we may believe we have figured it all out, and our thought patterns and responses for navigating through life have become firmly rooted. Yet, in the midst of our daily routines, Jesus interrupts us and calls us to a new and better way. But watch out! This confrontation with Jesus’ ways will be difficult.
Consider the following paradoxes: to live is to die; to gain is by giving; “blessed are those who mourn”; to lead one should be ready to serve; and suffering has a purpose.
People felt Christ was weirdly out of touch when He made statements like these. Many still feel the same even today. We, on the other hand, are the ones who are out of touch. We are upside down, not Him! We are like children who believe they know what is best for them better than their parents.
It is no surprise that God has taught us that His ideas are not the same as ours, and that our methods are not the same as His ways (Isa. 55:8). Let us seek Him to help us reflect His ways rather than relying on our own inclinations.
