MEDITATIONS FROM ISAIAH

 

October 3 , 2007

Reading:  Isaiah 45:11-17

 

"Verily, Thou art a God that hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour” Isaiah 45:15. ASV

 

The scriptures were inspired by the Holy Spirit in order to reveal God to His people. Without them we would know very little about Him—Father, Son or Holy Spirit. It is true that nature speaks to us of God, but not in detail. Yet here the prophet Isaiah makes this statement, “Verily, Thou art a God that hidest Thyself.”

Why would Isaiah suddenly come out with this exclamation? Let us consider the context of this chapter. It is about Israel’s release from captivity and their return to Judah to rebuild Jerusalem and the Temple. Undoubtedly those in captivity had discussed how the prophecies of their return would be fulfilled. Jeremiah had prophesied that seventy years would be the duration. The name of the ruler who would command their release had also been prophesied even though he was not yet known. Here they were—captives in a land that wielded great power and domination. Their own land lay decimated—the Temple destroyed, the city burned to the ground, the land overrun with wild beasts, and enemy leaders installed in power. In Babylon. The people were integrated into the local life and customs even to the point of taking Babylonian spouses. How impossible things looked that the Jews could, let alone would, return to their land and once more be established as a great nation.

As these things, along with his entire vision – Isaiah 1:1 – swept over Isaiah; he is overwhelmed with wonder and awe. His vision of the Almighty on His Throne being worshipped by Seraphim shouting, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the LORD of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory” Isaiah 6:3; The amazing prophesies regarding the coming Messiah along with the revelation of the grandeur of Yahweh, and now the declaration that all of their problems are to be solved and their questions answered, simply awed him beyond comprehension. Who would of thought of that? Who would have dreamed of such a happening? Oh, how deep are God’s ways, far beyond our contemplation, hidden from our most intense speculations. “Truly, You are a God who hides Himself, O God of Israel, the Savior!”

Paul, in contemplating the salvation of God’s elect responded in much the same way. The human race had fallen into sin and were at enmity with God. They raised up idols and worshipped them. They had become a godless people and lived under the wrath of God. How would God restore unto Himself a people when they were in such a wretched condition? While contemplating the gospel, the power of God unto salvation, the justification of His people and the reconciliation of His people to Himself, the Apostle could hold it within himself no longer—

 

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen” Romans 11:33-36.

 

"Verily Thou art a God That hidest Thyself.

Deep in unfathomable mines

Of never-failing skill,

He treasures up His bright designs,

And works His sovereign will.

                                                       Author Unknown

 

"I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that it is I, the Lord, Who call thee by thy name, even the God of Israel" Isaiah. 45:3; ASV.