When Infinite Meets Contrite

“And it shall be said,
‘Build up, prepare the way,
    remove every obstruction from my people’s way.’
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up,
    who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:
‘I dwell in the high and holy place,
    and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit,
to revive the spirit of the lowly,
    and to revive the heart of the contrite.
For I will not contend forever,
    nor will I always be angry;
for the spirit would grow faint before me,
    and the breath of life that I made.
Because of the iniquity of his unjust gain I was angry,
    I struck him; I hid my face and was angry…
I have seen his ways, but I will heal him;
    I will lead him and restore comfort to him and his mourners,
    creating the fruit of the lips.
Peace, peace, to the far and to the near, says the Lord,
    and I will heal him.'” Isaiah 57:14-19

Build up. The One who is high dwells in a high place. Look up! From the dregs here below, the connection seems out of reach. Yet, the unimaginably high and holy breaks out of His eternal dwelling to revive the lowly. His compassion moves His children to recognition of the gap and contrition over the cause. Healing, restoration, and peace He gives to the repentant.

How does the Infinite break into the finite? Through Jesus. He rides the heavens to our help and condescends to the lowly with unfathomable love and grace. He quickens conviction, lifts blinders from spiritual eyes, offloads the burden of our sin, and raises us to eternal glory. How can this be? It can because this is what our infinite God does. He lives to intercede for us, to crush fears, remove shame, redeem broken relationships, revive hope. (Deuteronomy 33:26)

Where are we stuck that we think He cannot reach? What wicked thoughts drag us down, worldly pleasures tie us down, or doubts and narrow thinking keep us down? Would we believe that the everlasting God has come to set us free indeed and draw forth the fruit of praise? (John 8:36; Hebrews 7:25)

“And can it be that I should gain
An int’rest in the Savior’s blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain?
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me?

He left His Father’s throne above,
So free, so infinite His grace;
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam’s helpless race;
‘Tis mercy all, immense and free;
For, O my God, it found out me.

Long my imprisoned spirit lay
Fast bound in sin and nature’s night;
Thine eye diffused a quick’ning ray,
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free;
I rose, went forth and followed Thee.

No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him is mine!
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th’eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.

Amazing love! how can it be
That Thou, my God, should die for me!” ~Charles Wesley (1738)

Infinite Father, keep me marveling at Your amazing love and ever singing Your praise.