Remember these, O Jacob and Israel; for thou art my servant: I have formed thee; thou art my servant: O Israel, thou shalt not be forgotten of me. I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee. Sing, O ye heavens; for the LORD hath done it: shout, ye lower parts of the earth: break forth into singing, ye mountains, O forest, and every tree therein: for the LORD hath redeemed Jacob, and glorified himself in Israel. -Isaiah 44:21-23
 
 

In this passage God exhorts Israel to return unto their Redeemer. The one who blotted out their transgressions and sins. Then suddenly God turns to the heavens and the earth and asks them to sing and shout.

What unlikely participants in worship, I thought, upon first reading the scriptures. Why not tell Israel to sing and shout? Then it came to me. The heavens and earth know what it's like to have one's sins blotted out. Clouds can form so thick that the Earth is removed from the sight of the heavens. The mountains and trees of the forest join the chorus, for they know what I know about God's great ability to blot out transgressions. When those thick clouds form, the heavens cannot be found, just like my sins cannot be found since I came under the blood of Christ.

So, I too shall join the chorus sung by the heavens and earth, The Lord hath redeemed Jacob and glorified himself in Israel. I'm so glad I know my sins are forgiven. The next time the skies are overcast, join in singing the song of the redeemed.

One of God's Redeemed,

Bro. Mark Harding