Isaiah 45:15-17 – The Hidden Revealed
We’ve just seen God speaking through Isaiah to tell of the salvation of nations as they yield allegiance to the Mediatorial King. Such a thing, humanly speaking, would be thought incredible, and many would think in unbelief that not even God could do such a thing. Yet, He works in ways not seen, and shows not His hand until the right time. He then displays all the wonders of His wisdom, power, and glory. Such is seen in the deliverance of sinners, a thing unknown to the nations and peoples until the Gospel came to them in the time of Christ. Such is seen in the deliverance of those lost in folly, in futility, in sin, whether they be individuals, societies, or nations. There are times when even believers think that they cannot see Him, and feel abandoned. Nonetheless, He is with them, and far nearer than they think or feel. As we’ll see soon, no one truly seeks Him in vain. Perhaps He has been hidden to you all along. He reveals Himself to you now in His Word and by His Son. See now your sin, and see His rescue! Believe on Jesus and live.
The idols and their worshippers filled the nations then and fill them now. They think that they shall have gods that they can control, can understand, can appease, and that their own wills and desires shall come to pass. They think they shall be esteemed, they shall have the riches, they shall have the abundance, they shall have the power, they shall have the homage of all around! All, of course, who look to anyone or anything to give meaning, to give morals, to give happiness, other than the living and true Triune God are idolaters. This is even though their god is invisible and immaterial. This is even though their idol may be an idea. These idols only lead eventually to shame and to death!
In contrast to verse 16, we have promises here in verse 17 to the true Israel of God. They shall be saved by the LORD, God in the Covenant of Grace, secured by His Covenant Head, the Lord Jesus Christ. It was, is, and shall be an everlasting salvation. It is not probationary and liable to failure on the part of God or man; it is not one limited to this life or to the life to come; it is not subject to decay or to revocation. It is secured by Christ’s person and work once and for all time and eternity!
Questions
- What should we do if we feel like God is hiding Himself from us?
- Why is idolatry foolish?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks that God will never leave His people.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.