Answers (1)
“Come now, and let us reason together,” says YHWH. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18
Come Now – “Finite meaning is a thought we comprehend; infinite meaning is a thought that comprehends us; finite meaning we absorb; infinite meaning we encounter. Finite meaning has clarity; infinite meaning has depth. Finite meaning we comprehend with analytical reason; to infinite meaning we respond in awe. Infinite meaning is uncomfortable, not compatible with our categories. It is not to be grasped as though it were something in the world which appeared before us. Rather it is that in which the world appears to us. It is not an object – not a self-subsistent, timeless idea or value; it is a presence.”[1]
You may want to read that statement from Abraham Heschel again. Before we embark on a journey into this verse, we may wish to contemplate the radical difference between our usual view of God’s revelation and God’s view of His revelation. I often ask people why Judaism has no systematic theology. Maybe Heschel offers part of the answer. Judaism is an encounter with the presence of God. Messianic Judaism is an encounter with the physical manifestation of the infinite God. That encounter beckons us beyond ourselves. No wonder we can’t quite categorize Yeshua and His message. He is more than men can deal with.
By its very nature, systematic theology is the attempt to categorize, systematize, organize, define and reduce the encounter with God to human thought. Even the systematic theology category of mystery isn’t really mysterious, is it? If it were truly mysterious, the pages of the book would be blank. Rather than reading about mystery, we would be on our faces on the ground, numbed by the presence of the One who is.
YHWH invites us to “reason together.” Do you really suppose that He means we are to think with Him? No, there is something else happening here that just might exceed our grasp. But before we even arrive at communication with the Presence, we encounter an almost inconceivable suggestion. YHWH says, “le-hoo-na.” “Come now, please.” What? The God of all creation asks us to please enter into dialogue with Him? You must be joking. How can this be? Can you imagine the President begging you to come before him? Can you conceive of Nebuchadnezzar inquiring if you would take your time to join him? Look again at the Hebrew. The addition of the particle na to the verb halak changes the sentence from a command to a request. This is one of only five times where the particle na is attached to God’s action. This is an invitation, not a summons. An invitation from GOD! What god in any human mythology or religion asks for human cooperation? If there were ever an argument for God’s de facto authority, this is it! Words fail to describe the enormity of this invitation. We can only fall to our knees in utter appreciation and humility. The Ruler of the universe bends His ear to us, waiting for us to answer His request. Only one word falls from our lips. “Why?”
“Why, O Lord, do You invite me? I am so unworthy of Your attention. I have so little to offer. I am in the presence of radiance, holiness, majesty – and yet You ask? Why?”
Before we embark on the adventures hidden in this verse, perhaps we should stop to meditate on the character of a God who would bend His knee just to enter into dialogue with us. Perhaps we have taken too much for granted. Perhaps our enthusiasm to get the “right” answer has led us astray. Perhaps what we need is a full appreciation of the awe of His presence – a silent overwhelming of grace. Perhaps we yearn for the humble God, and we don’t even know it.
Topical Index: le-hoo-na, come now, mystery, presence, awe, Isaiah 1:18
[1] Abraham Heschel, Who Is Man?, p. 78.
This reminds me of two things: first, that somehow God loves me and is my Father. It’s similar to how I long to sit and talk with my children (one has autism so it doesn’t happen often that he wants to sit and do anything)… but on a much grander scale. Second, it reminds me of the one time I was truly in the physical presence of God… Overwhelmed. When the God who made me, made this universe, loves me enough to sit in my living room, hold me while I cry face-down on the floor, and strengthen me for the trials to come, what else can I be but overcome. This entry is a good reminder of God’s tenderness towards us, that He asks us to spend time with Him (and how often am I too busy – crazy me). Like Asaph in his psalm (77) our focus needs to shift from our present crisis to the might and power of this awesome God. Like you said,
“Before we embark on the adventures hidden in this verse, perhaps we should stop to meditate on the character of a God who would bend His knee just to enter into dialogue with us. Perhaps we have taken too much for granted. Perhaps our enthusiasm to get the “right” answer has led us astray. Perhaps what we need is a full appreciation of the awe of His presence – a silent overwhelming of grace.”
Thanks for the entry. I may have gone off on a tangent with it, but it spoke to that part of my heart this morning. 🙂
Amanda
Amanda … off on a tangent? No way! Very nice indeed!
“God loves me and is my Father.”
Hi Amanda,
I agree with Drew; you are right on target.
When we focus on God’s love in the here and now, the negative feelings go away.
How many times has a father or mother … at the end of patience … no longer attempting to exercise rightful authority … just simply implored a child to behave in a manner that is ultimately in their own best interests? (I am thinking that many hands could be raised by parents answering yes to this question 🙂 )
The passage Skip comments upon this day points to the unchanging truth about ELOHIM’s pursuit of us …. once again “how HE loves us!
Naturally this pursuit goes way beyond ELOHIM asking us people to listen to HIM! If we stand in awe of ELOHIM WHO pleads with HIS creation …. what can we say about ELOHIM WHO manifested as Yeshua (the only begotten son) and humbled HIMSELF unto the execution stake on behalf of HIS creation?
There can be no comprehension …. no theology …. only wonder and the mandate to worship in Spirit!
b/t/w … let us pray for those not listening for the pleas from Abba ELOHIM. Although HE implores us time and time again there will be punsihment for those that refuse HIS call!
it’s gettin’ good here Skip! (pardon me.. woooohoo!) (there that’s more gooder!)
consider these words inspired by (the Chief Musician) or better yet, “let them” resonate in your soul for the “rest” of the day..
The love of God is greater far
than tongue or pen can ever tell;
It goes beyond the highest star,
and reaches to the lowest hell;
The guilty pair, bowed down with care,
God gave His Son to win;
His erring child He reconciled,
and pardoned from his sin.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong! (measureless?)
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
When years of time shall pass away,
and earthly thrones and kingdoms fall,
When men, who here refuse to pray,
on rocks and hills and mountains call,
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
all measureless and strong;
Redeeming grace to Adam’s race—
the saints’ and angels’ song.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
Could we with ink the ocean fill,
and were the skies of parchment made,
Were every stalk on earth a quill,
and every man a scribe by trade,
To write the love of G-d above,
would drain the ocean dry.
Nor could the scroll contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky.
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure
The saints’ and angels’ song.
As the very “blind?” Fanny Crosby was inspired to write: “This is my story, -this is my song- praising my Savior- all the day long.” Is there today – the “song of the Savior” resonating in the center of your heart?”- He Lives!, He lives! -Christ Jesus lives today..
Brother Carl … very nice post!
I typically do not wander outside of the Psalms when looking for inspirational prayer but I must admit … you and others post some very nice poems, et. al.
Thanks
Thanks, Carl. This is one of my favorite songs. The melody is as beautiful as the words.
I absolutely love that song, brother!! Thanks for sharing it.
Amen Skip!
I can’t speak for everyone else, but this week’s post has been a blessing to me like none other. Carl, those were such beautiful lyrics. We will never fully comprehend the Love of God this side of Heaven but you have inspired me to meditate deeper on His Love for me. Please allow me to leave you with the lyrics to a song by Casting Crowns that came to me as I read your posts today:
Who am I?
That the Lord of all the earth,
Would care to know my name,
Would care to feel my hurt.
Who am I?
That the bright and morning star,
Would choose to light the way,
For my ever wandering heart.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you’ve done.
Not because of what I’ve done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, you catch me when I’m falling,
And you’ve told me who I am.
I am yours.
Who am I?
That the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love
And watch me rise again.
Who am I?
That the voice that calmed the sea,
Would call out through the rain,
And calm the storm in me.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you’ve done.
Not because of what I’ve done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, you catch me when I’m falling,
And you’ve told me who I am.
I am yours.
Not because of who I am,
But because of what you’ve done.
Not because of what I’ve done,
But because of who you are.
I am a flower quickly fading,
Here today and gone tomorrow,
A wave tossed in the ocean,
A vapor in the wind.
Still you hear me when I’m calling,
Lord, you catch me when I’m falling,
And you’ve told me who I am.
I am yours.
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
I am yours..
I love any song glorifying God. I know many old songs because I attended a church that was stuck with the old and southern gospel. I listen to more contemporary as a personal preference and this song is one of the first from Casting Crowns that drew me to their music. These are so worshipful because they lift us to the Throne and remind us who we are in Christ and more importantly they declare WHO HE IS! God IS Love.
sweet sister Mary- “it’s all good!”- Any song that lifts up the name of Jesus and glorifies our risen Savior is a “good one.’ Anything that is from the heart and causes our Abba to smile is wonderful! Musical tastes vary but isn’t it interesting we are “commanded”” in scripture to “sing unto the LORD a new song”. One of the blessings our dear Holy Comforter gives to us is the constant,soft song of praise that resonates within our heart as we go about our “everyday” activities. There’s within my heart a melody!- Jesus whispers sweet and low.. sometimes when I’m driving from here to there a song of praise will “well up” and break forth into a song of praise to our great G-d. He is (so) worthy!
AMEN! Yes, not all music honors Him, but regarding the style…He gave us our creativity then and continues to do so today! Praise on brothers and sisters!
As long as we are sharing song lyrics, here is “Undo” by Rush of Fools:
I’ve been here before, now here I am again
Standing at the door, praying You’ll let me back in.
To label me a prodigal would be
Only scratching the surface of who I’ve been known to be
Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I’ve become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can’t do this myself
You’re the only one who can undo
What I’ve become
I focused on the score, but I could never win
Trying to ignore, a life of hiding my sin
To label me a hypocrite would be
Only scratching the surface of who I’ve been known to be
Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I’ve become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can’t do this myself
You’re the only one who can undo
What I’ve become
Make every step lead me back to
The sovereign way that You
Turn me around, pick me up
Undo what I’ve become
Bring me back to the place
Of forgiveness and grace
I need You, need Your help
I can’t do this myself
You’re the only one who can undo
What I’ve become
Thank you for sharing this one Cyndee. How often have I expressed this in prayer as I do a little “in”ventory. Much of today’s music expresses personal experiences of God’s love through restoration and deliverance.
Your explanation of the WORD frequently becomes my prayer.
Thanks
Lowell
What an awesome God we serve! Please allow me to share the care and concern that our LORD has for each one of us.
After returning home from a 91/2 hr brain surgery, in which a tumor was removed, my wife left me at home alone, to get my prescriptions filled. I got down on my face on the floor to thank the LORD for bringing me through this very serious operation, and for the total Shalom that covered my soul in the weeks before it.
The LORD spoke to me, and said “get up my child, you are going to hurt yourself”. I was dumbfouded!! I said “LORD, I just want to thank you and to praise your Name”.
His reply was just as amazing. He said “praise me from the chair, you are going to hurt yourself”.
I got up immediately, and sat in the chair, thanking Him and praising His Name.
Later, when I had a chance to relate this to a friend of ours, who was a registered nurse, I asked what the LORD meant when He said I waould “hurt myself”. She asked “what were you doing”?
I told her what I had done. She said, you were down on your knees with your face to the floor??
I said yes. SHe said “oh no, your going to hurt yourself”. I laughed and said, “that’s what the LORD said, but WHY”?
He answer caused tears of great joy and gratitude, She said, “when they cut out the tumor, they used a laser, and every few minutes, they cauterized the area to stop the blood flow, and stablize your blood pressure. When you put your head lower than your heart, the blood pressure and pressure in your head go up, and you take the chance of the site opening up, and killing you before you could get to the hospital”.
As it has already been posted above by Greg Hawkins, WHO AM I, that the LORD of Creation should care about me, but He does, and He cares for each of us in that same, personal and intimate way. His love lifts me to new heights, and His guidence of my life gives me a divine purpose and an eternal hope. I can be what I was created to be…….IF I obey and follow HIS instructions.
Thank you Skip, for bringing this out for all who have eyes, to see.
Baruch HaBa B’Shem Adoni
Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the LORD
Awesome testimony brother Ron, thank you for sharing. Each of us (and all of us) have a “story” to share because of our Abba. Let us think of three. Abraham,Moses, and Noah. Familiar names to those who have read the Book. All three “different” and yet all three do have something (or rather Someone) in common. They are what we would term “heavy-hitters”, “the A-list”, “the chosen ones”, etc. And yet how grateful this man is that YHWH would have mercy on him also. I too, (just like Noah), have found “grace in the eyes of the LORD.” We (according to scripture) are to “confess our sins one to another” and so in obedience to G-d’s word I will “confess” to the readership of this wonderful website and fellow feasters “At G-d’s Table.” I would read the words “Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” and wonder (selfishly, no doubt)- “where’s mine?” But G-d, (I love those two words combined!) saw my “heart’s desire” and answered my inner need in His time and in peculiar way. Each one of us are “different” and G-d knows that. Just as each of your children are “different”, G-d’s children are “unique” as well. We can laughingly say- “remember, you are unique”…- (just like everyone else!). Our good G-d and Father has promised to “whosoever will,” “if you search for me with all your heart, you will find me” (Jeremiah 29.13). – One thing about it- G-d is incapable of a lie. He only speaks what is true. (Numbers 23.19)
If we attempt to “live by faith”, life will absolutely become an adventure. “I guarantee it!” Make the decision to live for Him and “see” what happens! G-d is the “Change Agent!” If we are willing- He is able! , -but this is no primrose pathway. I can almost hear G-d whisper- “fasten you seat belt, it’s going to be a bumpy ride!”. But G-d, (there’s those two wonderful words again!) has promised never to place more upon us that what we are able to bear and dear family- “He does all things well!”- Hallelujah!
Yeshua is LORD. (just the facts m’am). He is LORD of the living and LORD of the dead. LORD of eternity and LORD of the Now. LORD of the telescopic and LORD of the microscopic. LORD of my future and LORD of my failures. (Shall we go on??) He is the risen Christ, the Son of the living G-d and He is G-d, the (now) living Son.
Thank you Amanda, I loved your response to my request for a definition of “reason” from Is. 1:18 come let us reason together.