May 7 -- "Reasoning That Defies Reason"

 Today's Reading: Isaiah 1

"Reasoning That Defies Reason"

In Isaiah 1:18, the Lord opens His door and beckons us to come and “reason” together with Him. The Hebrew word for “reason” carries the meaning of "to prove, to decide, to correct, to reprove, or to argue." It shows God's desire to engage in a conversation with His people, especially regarding their sinful behavior. And then He makes a staggering statement that totally defies all logic and reason – our “red. scarlet, crimson” sins shall be made “as white as snow, white like wool.”  What!?!

Ah, the paradoxical beauty of God's incredible statement! Indeed, the Lord's declaration that He will transform our scarlet sins into wool-like whiteness is one of those divine mysteries that leave us in awe of His boundless love and mercy.

From a human perspective, it seems utterly illogical that our deeply stained sins, as red as scarlet, could ever be made as pure and white as wool. It's like trying to turn a blazing bonfire into a snowflake! Yet, this is precisely what God promises to do through His forgiveness.

This idea of reasoning together with God conveys His compassion and patience. He is not a distant and uncaring deity, but rather a loving Father who desires a relationship with His children. Despite our rebellion and sinful ways, God reaches out, offering an opportunity for repentance and restoration.

The “unreasonableness” of Isaiah 1:18 is a reflection of the unfathomable grace of God. It shows that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts beyond our comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). He offers forgiveness and cleansing, not because of anything we have done, but because of His nature – a nature of love and compassion that defies our human standards of justice.

As we grapple with the unreasonableness of this verse, let it remind us of our need to humbly accept God's gracious offer of forgiveness. It encourages us to approach Him with childlike faith, trusting in His love and embracing the incredible gift of redemption through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ. In doing so, we can find comfort in God's divine logic, knowing that His ways, though beyond our understanding, are perfect and just.