High above the Earth

Whenever I have an opportunity to fly, I like to look at the landscape below. The view from 30,000 feet is so different. Towns and buildings, vehicles and roads become smaller from the perspective of being high above the earth. A plane can transport us high above our landlocked vision.

God’s Word instructs us about the view from heaven. God tells us in Isaiah 55:9: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts”. His wisdom and His ways are high above us. He is sovereign and knows what is best for us. He sees the big picture and our vision is limited to our earthbound perspective. That is why when difficulties come our way and confusion and questions reign, we need to trust the wisdom and ways of our Almighty Father in Heaven. Another characteristic that is high above us is God’s mercy. Psalm 103:11 encourages us with these words: “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him”. We often see acts of mercy and kindness among us earth dwellers. A parent shows mercy to an erring child. A business shows mercy to a creditor. And a police officer gives a warning instead of a ticket. These acts of mercy are only small drops when we compare them to the ocean of mercy God displays toward those who are His children. One more blessing from God that is so high above anything we can imagine is the intercessory ministry of Christ. Hebrews 7:26 reveals this wonderful work of our Savior in these words: “For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens”. Our Lord is in the presence of the Father and is engaged in continuous intercession for those whom He loves.

A plane can take us high above the earth, but our Lord can take us even higher. God’s ways are higher than our ways. Our Father’s mercy is as high as the heavens. And our Savior’s prayers for us are taken to the very throne of Almighty God.