God’s ways, the Scriptures declare, are higher than our ways. It isn’t just that his ways are better, though they surely are, but that they are completely different. Consider one small little aspect of the work of God, his election. If you were to choose people to be a part of your kingdom and advance your purposes, who would you select? Would you not look for the rich, the powerful, the strong, and the wise? Yet, what does the Lord do? He selects quite the opposite; the poor, the powerless, the weak, and the foolish.

One great example of this is the calling of Matthew the Tax collector. John Calvin, speaking of this moment says:

“The custom-house has usually been a place noted for plundering and for unjust exactions, and was at that time particularly infamous. In the choice of Matthew out of that place, not only to be admitted into the family of Christ, but even to be called to the office of Apostle, we have a striking instance of the grace of God. It was the intention of Christ to choose simple and ignorant persons to that rank, in order to cast down the wisdom of the world, (1 Cor. 2:6) But this publican, who followed an occupation little esteemed and involved in many abuses, was selected for additional reasons, that he might be an example of Christ’s undeserved goodness, and might show in his person that the calling of all of us depends, not on the merits of our own righteousness, but on his pure kindness. Matthew, therefore, was not only a witness and preacher, but was also a proof and illustration of the grace exhibited in Christ. He gives evidence of his gratitude in not being ashamed to hand down for perpetual remembrance the record of what he formerly was, and whence he was taken, that he might more fully illustrate in his person the grace of Christ.”¹

One of the reason’s the Lord’s ways seem so different than ours is because of our sinful nature. We function on a completely different set of priorities. Whereas we are devoted to our own glory and covetous desires, God is committed to displaying his character and glory in his creation. As Paul mentions to the Ephesians, by his grace God makes us receive his benefits so that his loving kindness would be displayed. This means that every single one of his actions is intentionally designed to work together for his maximum glory. It makes me wonder, if we were exclusively devoted to the glory of God, would the ways of God seem strange to us? Probably not, because we would delight to see God’s glory exalted above everything else. Be surprised by the works of God, but be surprised to glory, not surprised to doubt. Let the “higher ways” of God lead you into worship, gratitude, and praise.

1. John Calvin, Commentary on a Harmony of the Evangelists Matthew, Mark, and Luke, vol. 1, 398–399. ↩︎