Scripture
Our focus verse is on forgiveness and comes from Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.”
Background
It is painfully clear that some of us are good with directions and some of us have been blessed in other ways. I’m not sure, but I think GPS devices make things worse. There is far less importance put on knowing street names, landmarks and a general feeling for distances, and an almost complete dependence on a lovely voice announcing when we should turn right or left. Regardless of our skill level with directions, few of us miss the significance of our Father’s forgiveness referenced in today’s verse. We know that as you travel north on earth, eventually you will reach the “top” and then continue your journey heading south. They are separated by a mere line of latitude. But as you travel east, you will never reach a point where you are then heading west. It would require a complete change of direction. It is a beautiful picture of the complete separation that Jesus gives us from our sins and their punishment, because there is no way to officially measure the distance from east to west. It also reminds us of our continual need for forgiveness, for just as quick as you turn around in your travel, you are then headed west in the opposite direction.
Application
Our sinful nature is so prone to wander that we repeatedly experience this change from east to west in our daily walk. But His mercies are new every morning. when He washes us, we are made whiter than snow. Though our sins are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. So don’t hesitate to travel to the throne of grace and get lost in His forgiveness.
Charge
As we seek Him today, think on the price He paid to make us whiter than snow. Thank Him for taking on our sin and giving us His righteousness, and live today in the reality of knowing where you are headed.
