Isaiah 45:15

A CONCEALING GOD

‘Thou art a God that hidest Thyself.’

Isaiah 45:15

I. In human nature there is a curious mixture of candour and concealment.—Whilst there is a hiding of ourselves arising from a peculiarity of our nature which we cannot alter, there are concealments for our own ends, not always evil, but often good. Parents do not reveal to their children their plans of discipline, but expect to be relied upon even when not understood.

II. The Scriptures teach us that God asks for our faith.—He hides Himself and bids us trust Him. This finds a reflection in our own hearts, for it is just this we prize in others. How we delight in the trustful love of a child, to whom we know we must be as one that hideth himself! Is there no resemblance of the Divine in this? We may cry with Job, ‘Show me wherefore Thou contendest with me.’ But if no answer comes, let not faith fail. Why does He not stay the devastating flood? Why does He permit His people thus to suffer whilst the wicked flourish like a green bay tree? And softly there comes the answer from the old Book, finding an affirming echo in our hearts—God hides Himself.