MAY 23
Psalm 103:11-12, “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
Like you, I sometimes find myself reaching for a tape measure to check the length of something. It’s a simple and useful tool—provided it’s long enough for the job. But when it comes to measuring things related to God, a tape measure won’t do. God is transcendent and infinite, far beyond the limits of our understanding—both in who He is and in what He does.
Now, imagine trying to measure the steadfast love of God. Go ahead—take out your tape measure and stretch it out. But it’s no use; we have nothing long enough. His love stretches as high as the heavens are above the earth—immeasurable and infinite. There is no limit to the loyal love God shows to those who belong to Him. As the old hymn says, the “Deep, Deep Love of Jesus” is “vast, unmeasured, boundless, free.” And from this love flow countless benefits (Psalm 103:2): forgiveness, healing, redemption, hope, provision, justice, mercy, grace, and more (Psalm 103:3–8). Bless the Lord!
Now let’s try measuring something else—the distance from which God removes our sins. Think about the garbage truck that comes each week, hauling our refuse far away. But not so far that we couldn’t find it if we tried. Not so with God. In Jesus, we receive total forgiveness. At the moment of saving faith, a full pardon is granted. The certificate of debt is forever canceled. So how far are our sins removed? “As far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12). And how far is that? Infinitely far—never to be found again.
We all struggle at times to fully grasp the infinite love and forgiveness of God. Our own failures can cloud our vision. That’s why it’s so important to return to these truths again and again. God’s love is truly beyond measure. His forgiveness is so complete that no stain of sin remains. The psalmist calls his own soul to “Bless the Lord,” and when we reflect on these promises, we have every reason to do the same.
“When it comes to God’s love, there is no measuring tape.”
Application questions: What keeps you from fully embracing the immeasurable love and forgiveness of God? How can you respond today in praise, like the psalmist, for the benefits of God’s steadfast love?
LookingtoJesus 