Separated

Our Scripture reading today is Isaiah 59:1-2.

Verse 2, "But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear."

God is actively wanting to have a close relationship with His children.  He has provided everything to make this possible.  The idea that sinful man can be a child of a God is a miracle in and of itself.  John 1:12, "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:"  God made it possible for us to change names from sinner to saint.  Our daily fellowship with Him can only be impacted by our choice to sin.  

Our Heavenly Father wants to be close to us.  What moves us away from Him are our personal sins.  It does not mean we are separated from the presence of God or the love of God.  I came across the following explanation for our verses:

• Sin separates us from fellowship with God, because at least at the point of our sin, we no longer think alike with God.
• Sin separates us from the blessing of God, because at least at the point of our sin, we are not trusting God and relying on Him.
• Sin separates us from some of the benefits of God’s love, even as the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) was still loved by the father but didn’t enjoy the benefits of his love when he was in sin.
• Sin separates us, in some way, from the protection of God, because He will allow trials to come our way to correct us.