A GOD THAT HIDES HIMSELF -- Tomorrow:
"Truly, Thou art a God Who hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Savior" -- Isaiah 45:15
This circumstance is owing to the blighting effects of sin, of which all are guilty (Rom 3:23; 5:12). This condition can only be changed in Christ Jesus. Apart from identity with Him through faith and by the Spirit, God's thoughts and man's thoughts are at war with one another! Consequently, they are alienated from, and hostile to, the Living God. Outside of Christ, they are God's "enemies," standing in need of reconciliation (Rom 5:10; Col 1:21).
God is against anything and anyone that is unlike Himself. That, of
course, is what necessitates a Savior and salvation. If God could comfortably receive and dwell with those who were at variance with His nature and will, there would be no need for the new birth, justification, or reconciliation. In such a case, God would be required to do nothing, and we would be required to do everything.
The declaration of the necessity of Jesus in the matter of comprehending God can be seen from two declarations.
First, Jesus declared, "No one comes to the Father EXCEPT THROUGH ME" (John 14:6b, NIV). The way to God is not even known apart from Christ. Further, once it is known, it cannot be traversed without Him. Thus it is written, "For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might BRING US TO GOD" (1 Pet 3:18).
Second, the true God cannot be identified without the direct involvement of Jesus. That is precisely why the Savior said, "All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and NO ONE KNOWS THE FATHER EXCEPT THE SON, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him" (Matt 11:27, NIV). As our Lord consistently did, and in order that we not misunderstand, He revealed the truth with words of precision. Lest any be discouraged, or imagine that Jesus is reluctant to reveal the Father, He continued, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and LEARN FROM ME, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls" (verses 28-29, NIV).
There are two levels of revelation required. First, the revelation of the "eternal purpose" itself. Second, the revelation of the implications of that purpose, or its immediate relevance for us. The first unveiling has been realized in the Scriptures (Rom 16:25,26; Eph 3:3-11). The second is experienced when the eyes of our understanding, or heart, are "opened" to perceive what is intended in this great salvation (Eph 1:17-29).
Knowing God involves both levels, which are requisite to fellowship with Him. As for the Scriptures themselves, the Lord Jesus is the heart and core of them. he said, "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me" (John 5:39). And, when you see the Lord Jesus correctly, you will find he alone is the "express image of God" (Heb 1:3), in whom the 'fulness of the Godhead" dwells "bodily" (Col 2:9).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus Christ I praise You for enabling me to see both Your Person and Your purpose through Your only begotten Son.