“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us. As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him. For he knows our frame; he remembers that we are dust (Psalm 103:12-13).”
Driving through the flat fields in our area, we often have an unobstructed view from one horizon to its opposite.
When our children were small, we would encourage them to look one direction out our car windows, and then scan the horizon all the way to other side of the car. Then we would say, “That’s how far God has removed our sins from us.”
The perspective that keeps us adults from fully appreciating that wideness of God’s mercy is one obstructed by our own sin. We imagine the heavenly expanse blocked by a God looking down on us with arms crossed and frowning face.
That’s why the Bible not only tells us about how distant God makes our sin, but how open are his arms to draw us near.
Our Maker remembers we are creatures of dust, needing his compassion, and he shares it as readily as a compassionate father embracing a child in need!
Prayer: Lord, help me remember your love removes my sins as far as the east is from the west, and you have fatherly compassion for all who confess they need such grace.