A GOD THAT HIDES HIMSELF -- Tomorrow:
"Truly, Thou art a God Who hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Savior" -- Isaiah 45:15
Isaiah prophesied during difficult times. The people of God, because of their iniquity, were going to experience chastening from the Lord. He would use a heathen people to awaken their sensitivity to Himself. In marvelous ways, God would work, insuring the fulfillment of His purpose. He would employ a heathen king and nation to execute His purpose, without the heathen knowing it. Here is the Lord's testimony.
"It is I who made the earth and created mankind upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens; I marshaled their starry hosts. I will raise up Cyrus in My righteousness: I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for a price or reward, says the LORD Almighty. This is what the LORD says: 'The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, and those tall Sabeans-- they will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you, coming over to you in chains. They will bow down before you and plead with you, saying, 'Surely God is with you, and there is no other; there is no other God" (Isa 45:12-14, NIV).
Here is a remarkable prophecy. The Egyptians, Ethiopians, and others who had long been enslaved by the Persians would join the emancipated people of Israel, acknowledging there was no other God but theirs. The Divine conclusion to this matter is stated in the next verse. "Truly you are a God who hides himself, O God and Savior of Israel." (v 15, NIV)
The conclusion to which the leading figures of heathen nations would be led appeared to contradict both reason and circumstance. Working through and with human events, however, the Lord would lead them to this deduction. The point of the text is this: until the Lord unveiled His purpose, it, like God, was hidden from them. The heathen first thought they could override Israel because they did not perceive the true God, or Israel's identity with Him. This led them to the erroneous conclusion that their own strength made them invincible. However, these same people will eventually see that Israel is directed by the only true God - something they did not see before. However, their lack of perception was not owing to mere stupidity. God had hidden Himself from them!
Circumstances did not seem to justify this prophecy; but the circumstances were deceiving. Proper assessment must include more than an evaluation of earthly conditions. Remember, there is an unseen world that dominates and controls the one that is seen. God Himself is the "Governor among the nations" (Psa 22:28). The Spirit and an innumerable company of angels are also exercising influence in the world. Operating under God, Satan exercises influence through a gigantic hierarchy of "principalities," "powers," "spiritual wickedness in high places," and "the rulers of the darkness of this world." A proper assessment of history and contemporary events is not possible without due consideration of the realm of the unseen.
God hides Himself, yet carries out His immutable counsel while those among whom He is working often remain ignorant of both His Person and work. Who is like unto our God?
PRAYER POINT: Father, through Jesus Christ I thank You for continuing to work Your good and acceptable will, even when it is not apparent to the sons of men. I acknowledge You have done great things in me while I remained ignorant of what You were actually doing. I also thank You for not remaining hidden.