NEITHER ARE YOUR WAYS MY WAYS
By John C. Carpenter
The prophet Isaiah prophesied, Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye
to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. Wherefore
do ye spend money for that which is not bread? and your labour for that which satisfieth not? hearken diligently unto me, and eat
ye that which is good, and let your soul delight itself in fatness. Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall
live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. Behold, I have given him for a witness to
the people, a leader and commander to the people. Behold, thou shalt call a nation that thou knowest not, and nations that knew not
thee shall run unto thee because of the LORD thy God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he hath glorified thee. Seek ye the LORD
while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and
let him return unto the LORD, and he [the Lord] will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. For [because] my
thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith 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. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth
not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:
So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please,
and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it. For ye shall go out with joy, and be led forth with peace: the mountains and
the hills shall break forth before you into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn shall
come up the fir tree, and instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle tree: and it shall be to the LORD for a name, for an everlasting
sign that shall not be cut off (Isa 55:1-13). What are the thoughts and the ways of the Lord, and what does the Lord mean when He
says His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His ways are not our ways.
In verse 8 of our subject verses, the word thoughts is
translated from the Greek word makhashawbaw, which means advice, compute, contrivance, imagination, intention, plan, plot, purpose,
regard, or thought. The thoughts of the Lord are not just simple, vane thoughts, but thoughts which involve careful direction, meaning,
planning, and purpose. In the same verse, the word ways is translated from the Greek word dehrek, which means a course, journey, lead
forth, manner, road, tread, or way. The ways of the Lord refer to purposely treading down a path in a certain direction with a goal
in mind. In verse 9 of our subject verses, the word higher is translated from the Greek word gabahh, which means exalted, lofty, soar,
raised up to a great height, or upward. When the Lord says that His thoughts and ways are higher than ours, He means that His thoughts
have a higher meaning and purpose, which is a heavenly and eternal purpose, compared to ours.
THE THOUGHTS OF THE LORD
Since
the thoughts of Lord are not like our thoughts, what do the scriptures have to say about the thoughts of God? First of all, the psalmist
describes the thoughts of the Lord as profound when he prays, O LORD, how great are thy works! and thy thoughts are very deep [have
depth and purpose, profound] (Psa 92:5). Amos instructs us about the Lord thoughts: For, lo, he that formeth the mountains, and createth
the wind, and declareth unto man what is his thought [communion, contemplation with utterance], that maketh the morning darkness,
and treadeth upon the high places of the earth, The LORD, The God of hosts, is his name (Amos 4:13). God describes His thoughts of
His love for and future defense of the nation of Israel in the last days when he says, Now also many nations are gathered against
thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion. But they [the enemies of Israel] know not the thoughts of the
LORD, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor. Arise and thresh, O daughter of
Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate
their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth (Micah 4:11-13). The apostle Paul referred to the magnificence
of God's thoughts when he wrote believers in Rome, O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom [worldly and spiritual clarity] and
knowledge [awareness, perception, understanding] of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who
hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto
him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen (Rom 11:33-36). The psalmist,
David, prayed Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. Many,
O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in
order [can no be arranged in order and understood, highly esteemed, imcomparable] unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them,
they are more than can be numbered (Psa 40:4-5), as well as How precious [valuable, prized] also are thy thoughts [desires to make
friends with, to tend as a shepherd] unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number
than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee (Psa 139:17-18). Regarding God's superior knowledge and understanding, Paul said,For who hath known the mind [divine knowledge, perception, and understanding] of the Lord, that he [any man] may instruct him [God]?
But we have the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).
IT SHALL BE CALLED THE WAY OF HOLINESS
If God says His ways are not our ways,
what are His ways, how do the scriptures describe His ways? God's way is revealed to us by the prophet Isaiah who prophesied an highway
shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those:
the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein (Isa 35:8). In this verse, the word holiness means consecrated, dedicated,
hallowed, saintly, or sacred. Indeed, holiness is one of God's ways, and the scriptures speak much of God's holiness. Peter wrote,Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation
of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which
hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I [God] am holy (1 Peter
1:13-16). Mary, the mother of Jesus, describes God as holy when she said My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced
in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call
me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy [physically pure, consecrated, morally blameless, a saint] is
his name [character] (Luke 1:46-49). The psalmist, David, referred to God's holy hill (Psa 15:1), while a psalm for the sons of Korah
says God sitteth upon the throne of his holiness (Psa 47:8). We are instructed, Exalt ye the LORD our God, and worship at his footstool;
for he is holy (Psa 99:5). God the Father even describes Himself as holy: Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel,
and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the LORD your God am holy (Lev 19:2), and Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy
One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the
ships. I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King (Isa 43:14-15). The prophet Isaiah knew of God's holiness, prophesyingthe LORD of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God that is holy shall be sanctified in righteousness (Isa 5:16), as well as,In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.Above it stood the seraphims: each one had six wings; with twain he covered his face, and with twain he covered his feet, and with
twain he did fly. And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory (Isa
6:1-3). Isaiah added, For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and
holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of
the contrite ones (Isa 57:15). Hannah prayed and said, My heart rejoiceth in the LORD, mine horn is exalted in the LORD: my mouth
is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation. There is none holy as the LORD: for there is none beside thee:
neither is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the LORDis a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed (1 Sam 2:3). Regarding the love of the Lord, the psalmist said, Our soul waiteth
for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy
mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee (Psa 33:21-22). Without a doubt, the scriptures make it clear that God is
hallowed, consecrated, holy, pure, blameless, without sin. His name is holy (Luke 1:49), His prophets were holy (Luke 1:70), His covenant
with believers in Christ is holy (Luke 1:72), His law is holy (Rom 7:12), believers in Christ are holy (1 Thess 5:27), and His Son
is holy (Acts 4:30, Heb 7:26). The author of Hebrews verified the Holiness and sinlessness of Christ: For we have not an high priest [Christ] which
cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin (Heb 4:15).
THE
WICKEDNESS OF MAN WAS GREAT IN THE EARTH
Since we know that the ways of God are holy, and His ways are not the ways of man, nor
His thoughts our thoughts, what are the ways and thoughts of man? Scriptures give us the answer to that question. Look at how God
described mankind shortly after He created us: And GOD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination
of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And it repented [made sorrowful, to regret] the LORD that he had made man
on the earth, and it grieved him at his heart (Gen 6:5-6). Christ taught His disciples some of the things that come from within man:For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, Thefts, covetousness, wickedness,
deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man (Mar
7:21-23). Scriptures also teach us the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings,
and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit
the kingdom of God (Gal 5:19-21). Indeed, the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jer 17:9).
The scriptures also teach that everyone has sinned: Wherefore, as by one man [Adam] sin entered into the world, and death by sin;
and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom 5:12), and that our old man, our old Adamic nature before we came
to and trusted Christ, is corrupt according to deceitful lusts (Eph 4:22). God is holy, while man is sinful. Truly, God's ways are
not our ways. The apostle Paul understood the evils of man when he used himself as an example: For we know that the law is spiritual:
but I am carnal, sold under sin. For that which I do I allow not: for what I would [should do], that do I not; but what I hate [and
should not do], that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that
do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with
me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do (Rom
7:14-19). Truly, we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and
our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away (Isa 64:6). By explaining his own dilemma, Paul explained that mankind is captive
to sin: For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind,
and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body
of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh
the law of sin (Rom 7:22-25). Man's thoughts and ways are empty, unsatisfactory, will lead us astray, and considered by God to be
vain (Psa 94:11), and will lead us to final judgment. As God said, For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that
I will gather all nations and tongues [for judgment]; and they shall come, and see my glory (Isa 66:18). Man thinks that he devises
his own way, but in reality, the LORD directeth [appoints, confirms, establishes, sets right] his steps (Pro 16:9). Scriptures teach
us that The way of man is froward [perverse] and strange [criminal and full of guilt]: but as for the pure [clean, clear, transparent],
his work [acts, deeds, practices] is right [equitable, just, pleasing to God] (Pro 21:8), while Jeremiah revealed his own understanding
when he prayed to God, O LORD, I know that the way [course and mode of life] of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh
to direct [erect, establish, prepare] his [own] steps (Jer 10:23).
The thoughts and ways of man are full of wickedness, evil
thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wicedkness, deceit, lasciviousness, evil eyes, blasphemies, pride
and foolishness. Man is consumed by the works of the flesh, including adultery, fornication, uncleanness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred,
variance, emulations, anger and wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, and revellings. Man and woman
have a deceitful and wicked heart full of sin, corruption, carnality, and complete disobedience to God's commands and desires, and
are captive to sin. Scriptures clearly teach us that all are men and women are sinners, and the consequence, the fruit, of sin is
death: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all (James 2:10), and Wherefore, as by
one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned (Rom 5:12).
BE
YE HOLY
Because God is holy, He expects believers in Christ to be as well. Paul instructs us I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service (Rom
12:1), as well as According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame
before him in love (Eph 1:4). Christ loved the church and gave Himself for it, That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing
of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that
it should be holy and without blemish (Eph 5:26-27). Regarding Christ and His death, scriptures instruct us that it pleased the Father
that in him [Christ] should all fulness dwell; And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things
unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies
in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable
and unreproveable in his sight (Col 1:19-22). Jesus Christ has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our
works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began (2 Tim 1:9). Our Father
in heaven, through Peter, teaches us, Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is
to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former
lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written,Be ye holy; for I am holy (1 Peter 1:13-16).
THOU ART INEXCUSABLE, O MAN, WHOSOEVER THOU ART THAT JUDGEST
What do the scriptures
teach us about judging and judgment? Is mankind to judge? First of all, we must admit that the scriptures are somewhat confusing about
believers in Christ committing judgment. For example, there are verses that instruct believers in Christ not to judge. The apostle
Paul wrote to the church in Rome that they should not be judging others: Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art
that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure
that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest
them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? (Rom 2:1-3). Christ, Himself, taught Judge
not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured
to you again. And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?
Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite,
first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye (Mat 7:1-5),
while James adds Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh
evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver,
who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another? (James 4:11-12).
JUDGE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT
Scriptures
also instruct us that there are some verses which actually instruct believers to judge. For example, in Proverbs we read Open thy
mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy (Pro 31:9), while Paul taught Corinthian believers to commit judgment.
Paul wrote that the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know
them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man (1 Cor
2:14-15). Jesus specifically told some Jews to Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment (John 7:24). Paul
even taught that those within the church should judge those with sin: now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man
that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an
one no not to eat. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without [the church of believers]? Do [should] not ye judge them
that are within? (1 Cor 5:11-12). Regarding committing judgment, it is obvious the Christian must decide for himself about whether
he or she should commit judgment, a topic beyond the scope of this article.
ALL HIS WAYS ARE JUDGMENT
Although it is certainly
unclear as to whether believers in Christ should commit judgment, the scriptures are not unclear about that fact that God judges,
commits judgment, and is full of judgment. As we mentioned earlier, one of God's ways is holiness, but God the Father has a second
way: the way of judgment. In fact, the scriptures teach us that, regarding God the Father, all his ways are judgment.
God spoke
through the old testament prophet, Moses, and said, Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers
upon the grass: Because I will publish the name of the LORD: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect:
for all [every one of] his ways [course, manner, or methods] are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is
he. They [Israel, and all of mankind] have corrupted themselves, their spot is not the spot of his children: they are a perverse and
crooked generation (Deu 32:2-5). In verse 32 above, the word judgment is translated from the Hebrew word mishpat, which means to determine
a favorable or unfavorable verdict, and, secondly, according to the standards set forth in the law, to determine a sentence. God's
judgment should be considered a provision of justice.
God's judgment by definition includes establishing law [limits, requirements,
standards], determining guilt or innocence as to whether one has obeyed the law, deciding upon and communicating a verdict, and determining
an appropriate sentence based upon innocence or guilt. Additionally, four characteristics of God's judgment are revealed to us in
the words truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. God's judgment is truthful, without iniquity, full of justice, and completely
right. In verse 4, Truth is defined in the Hebrew as established, faithful, firm, stable, steadiness, or trustworthy; in other words,
God's judgment is consistent and trustworthy. Without iniquity is defined as not distorted, absent of evil, completely without perversion,
just, wholly righteous, and containing no wickedness. The word just is defined as lawful, correct, or right. The word right is defined
as equitable, even, meet, or straight, and therefore pleasant and prosperous.
When we, through examining the scriptures, compare
the thoughts and ways of God with the thoughts and ways of man, the scriptures make it plain that God's thoughts are not man's thoughts,
and neither are God's ways the ways of man. Every one of God's methods involves establishing laws, determining guilt or innocence,
establishing a verdict, and determining an appropriate sentence, all of which is done in a manner which is trustworthy, just, right,
lawful, equitable, and therefore pleasant and promotes prosperity. God put it this way: For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher [more lofty, exalted, lifted up to a greater height] than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. AMEN.
THE CHRISTIAN HERALD
A
Judeo-Christian Bible Study
"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for
sweet, and sweet for bitter! Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are
mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness
of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be
as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word
of the Holy One of Israel"
(Isaiah 5:20-24).
“Trust in the LORD, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the
LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to
pass”
(Psalms 37:3-5).
"Have mercy upon
me, O LORD;
consider my trouble which I suffer of
them that hate me, thou that liftest
me up from the
gates of death:
That I may shew forth
all thy praise in
the gates of the daughter of Zion: I
will rejoice in thy salvation”
(Psalms 9:13-14).
"Forasmuch as ye
know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received
by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: Who verily was
foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, Who by him do believe in God, that
raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope might be in God. Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying
the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being
born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is
as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word
of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached
unto you”
(1 Peter 1:18-25).
