A GOD THAT HIDES HIMSELF

"Truly, Thou art a God Who hidest Thyself, O God of Israel, the Savior" -- Isaiah 45:15

Devotion 15 of  26

EXAMPLES
Job

      Job is God's illustration to His people. In this pre-law saint, we behold the power of faith, the objective of God, and His merciful dealings with His people. James put it this way; "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy" (James 5:11). The benefit of Job's experience was intended more for succeeding generations than for his own. Though delivered into the hand of the tempter "without cause" (Job 2:3), Job maintained his integrity. His faith carried him through deep waters, although his intellect and emotion lingered in the shadows.

    During Job's affliction, it was as though God were hidden. Experientially, Job was unable to "find Him," or "come even unto His seat" (Job 23:3). He longed to reason with God, and come to an understanding of his situation. However, he was not allowed this privilege throughout his grief (Job 23:3-5). God was hidden to him! Job even longed for a "Daysman," an intercessor that could stand between him and his God, arbitrating an understanding of his experience (Job 9:33). But, alas, no go-between was to be found. God had hidden Himself.

    In some respects, Job stands a solitary figure among the sons of men. He was caused to drink deeply from the cup of suffering, and that without a lively sense of the Lord's approval. If ever a person doubts that God can hide Himself, let him ponder Job, a "man (that) was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil" (Job 1:1). He could not find God during his affliction; yet God sustained him, not allowing him to be tempted "above" what he was "able to bear." He was in strict control of the situation, but hid the particulars of that control from Job.

PRAYER POINT: Father,

-- Tomorrow: ABRAHAM OFFERING ISAAC --