When I came across Isaiah 44:22, my brain just couldn’t comprehend it. It seemed as unclear and blocked from my understanding as the mist it described. Here’s the verse:
I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you. (ESV)
When I looked up some commentators, I found this from Gill’s commentary:
“Sins and transgressions are compared to clouds, they being many as the fleeting clouds of the air; as clouds are vapors rising out of the earth and sea, so these arise out of the earthly and corrupt heart of man, which is as a troubled sea.”
Commentator Matthew Henry wrote: “The cloud is scattered by the Sun of righteousness.”
Now that I can relate to!
In Southern California, when we would head to the beach for the day, we’d arrive as early as possible. Inevitably there was an “overcast” of clouds and mist; or if it was in June, we called it “June gloom.” Of course, we used that phrase all summer long.
But as the day went along and the sun rose in the sky, it’s beams “burned off” the June gloom. I don’t know the scientific activity, but it seemed like the sun overpowered the clouds and mist and made them scatter.
I think that’s the idea in Isaiah 44:22. Jesus’ robe of righteousness which encloses us as Christians, burns away our sin. (Tweet that!) God who created the clouds and mist, has no trouble sweeping them away from the sky and “sweeping away” our sin. He provided the way because of Jesus’ death on the cross.
Just as the sun overpowers the clouds and mist at the beach, Jesus’ redeeming power sweeps away our sins, as we ask Him–both at our point of salvation and each and every time we sin and then confess (I John 1:9).
I love the imagery of this and I’m so grateful that God’s grace is stronger than any of the “clouds” of sin that “rise” from the sinful vapors of my heart.
I hope God’s salvation and ongoing forgiveness encourages your heart today. There is always hope for relief from the discouragement of sin. Just look up at the sun to be reminded!
I experienced God's grace last week. It left me feeling I was wrapped in God's arms and realizing that Gods timing and love is Amazing!
No need to stress or worry. Pray, pray and pray. God will take care of you!
Mona.
Please stand with me asI believe God has set me free today and thatmy sin and darkness is gone kath
Hello Kath. Thank you so much for sharing with us about your struggle. I’m standing with you in support in bringing you before our Father’s throne with fervent prayer because I’ve been in hopeless sin and know the pain. “Lord Jesus Christ, our Savior, you created Kath and knew from eternity her struggles. David wrote in Psalm 139 that you know our every step and so Kath’s struggle is no surprise to you nor are you disappointed in her. You know she is a sinner and needs you and so you provided for her forgiveness through your death on the cross and you made the way for the empowering of the Holy Spirit within her. Give her confidence in your ability to set her free even if it takes a process. Thank you that your forgiveness and cleansing is based on upon your redeeming grace and nothing else. Bring to her support all who can help her and represent your love. I pray these things in Your powerful Name, Jesus. Amen.”
God bless you! Yes, the Lord has set you free! He loves you!!
Nick, thank you for stopping by and I do appreciate your encouragement!
Thank you Mona for your sharing of God's work of revealing grace to you! He is so faithful. I'm praising God to think of His joy over you. And thanks for commenting here.