God is not hiding (Isaiah 64-66; 2 Corinthians 2)

Sometimes people say they are seeking God. Sometimes someone may wish God would make himself clearer. But since Genesis 3 onwards, it’s man who is hiding and God seeking. Here in Isaiah 65 God tells us that He’s no good at hiding! In response to Isaiah’s prayer in 64:1 that God would come down and revive His people, God responds by saying He’s not hiding. He says “Here I am, here I am” (65:1). Wonderfully God is not far off, He wants us to know Him. He reveals himself to us. Even to the nations that wanted nothing to do with Him. Isaiah had been praying for disobedient Israel, but God says He will do even more, He will bring in the nations. Israel may be rejecting God, but God’s plan will not fail, and through the actions of His servant, He will bring in the nations. That doesn’t mean there’s no hope for Israel, but just that God’s plan is bigger.

God’s plan involves new heavens and a new earth (65:17ff), it will be so wonderful, because God will have dealt with the curse. There will be no more tragic loss of children, or children born for calamity, work will be fruitful and productive, and there will be harmony in creation. Does it sound too wonderful? It must have been hard for Isaiah’s first readers to believe, but for us living this side of the cross and resurrection, it is surely easier to believe in this God who has made himself abundantly clear.

Who is this new creation for? It’s for those who have been made new creations by the Lord. Those who are humble and contrite in spirit and tremble at God’s Word (66:2ff). It’s not for people who make religion all about ritual (66:3), but for those who take God at His Word, recognising what He says about us is true, and accepting the most precious gift of His servant, our saviour Jesus Christ.

God is not hiding, He has made himself known, come to Him today with a humble and contrite spirit, knowing that He has a glorious future in store for all who do.