I’ve just been thinking lately of the impact of some verses which contrast the vast distance between God’s “home” and ours. The Bible describes the earth as the footstool of God (Acts 7:49). Then, there is that language used by David and others which emphasizes His grandeur. “For as the heavens are high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him” (Psa. 103:11).
Just how high are the heavens above the earth? No one knows with certainty the size of the universe. According to one calculation, the distance from the earth to the extremity of space is 257,754,864,000,000,000,000,000 miles! We struggle to comprehend such vast distances and finally realize that such is impossible. Yet, look at how the Bible uses this measurement to enhance eternal truths revealed to us.
His ways are higher than ours. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways” (Isa. 55:9). The prophet uses the word “ways” to indicate the choices we make. What standard do we use in choosing the course we walk on this earth. If that standard is based on human judgment and earthly wisdom, rest assured that it cannot be His standard! Our ways are not His ways!
His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. Look again at what Isaiah said, “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.” How vast is the gulf between His thoughts and ours! Take another look at those numbers expressing the distance from earth to the edge of the universe. That number is 257,754,864,000,000,000,000,000 miles. Can you even begin to grasp how vast that number is? If we cannot grasp that distance, how can any mortal believe that any thought by any mortal is worthy to be compared to His thoughts?
Listen to Solomon. He described the attitude we must have when approaching spiritual matters. “Walk prudently when you go to the house of God; and draw near to hear rather than to give the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they do evil. Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven and you on the earth; therefore let your words be few” (Ecc. 5:1-2). Read it again—draw near to hear; do not offer the sacrifice a fool offers with his many words; do not be rash with your mouth; do not hastily utterly anything about spiritual matters. All of this because He is in heaven!
Remember: 257,754,864,000,000,000,000,000 miles!