The God Who Seeks
—But is rejected
Our God is the most high God, exalted above all things, the Creator and Ruler of all things, and altogether good and just. Although he is so high, he diligently seeks out those whom he has created, and makes himself known to humanity. He helps human beings to seek him and find him. In most cases, however, they reject God and do not seek God.
1 God Reigning
The book of Isaiah acknowledges the majesty of God and speaks of him as "high".
- "I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, lofty and exalted" (Isaiah 6:1).
- The king of Babylon said, "I will raise my throne above the stars of God... I will make myself like the Most High..." (Isaiah 14:13-14). He was arrogant to so exalt himself, but he was right to call God the "Most High"(See Daniel 4:29-37).
- "The Lord is exalted, for he dwells on high" (Isaiah 33:5).
- "Lift up your eyes on high and see who created these stars" (Isaiah 40:21-26).
- "Thus says the high and exalted one, I dwell on a high and holy place" (Isaiah 57:15)
- "Thus says the Lord, Heaven is my throne and earth is my footstool, where then is a house you could build for me?" (Isaiah 66:1). This passage is quoted in the New Testament to emphasise that God is most high and ruler of the universe (Acts 7:48-50, cf Acts 17:24).
2 God Revealed
Isaiah also teaches us that the most high God wants men and women to know him and seek him, and therefore has revealed himself to the people of earth.
- God revealed himself in his Son. "...a Son will be given to us... Mighty God..." (Isaiah 9:6-7). This came true when Christ was born. God was revealed in the flesh. (See John 14:8-9).
- God has sent the gospel, a message of good news into the world. "How lovely on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news... who announces salvation" (Isaiah 52:7, Romans 10:15).
- God has made known to humans what they could not perceive by themselves. "Eye has not seen nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love him, but God has revealed them to us by his Spirit" ( 1Corinthians 2:6-10, Isaiah 64:1-4).
- God was not ashamed to call us his brethren and children. "Behold I and the children whom the Lord has given me" (Isaiah 8:17-18, Hebrews 2:13)
- God has even permitted those to find him who were not his people and who did not seek him. He has repeatedly made himself known to them. "I permitted myself to be sought by those who did not ask for me. I permitted myself to be found by those who did not seek me. I said, 'Here I am, here I am,' to a nation which did not call on my name" (Isaiah 65:1, Romans 10:20).
3 God Rejected
Isaiah shows that, although the Most High has made every effort to make himself known to the world, most people reject God.
- "My name is blasphemed among the Gentiles" (Isaiah 52:5, Romans 2:24).
- "I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people" (Isaiah 65:2, Romans 10:21).
- "Who has believed our report?" (Romans 10:16, Isaiah 53:1). The arm of the Lord (his power for salvation) has been revealed to many, but few have believed. Isaiah goes on to say, "He was despised and rejected by men..." (Isaiah 53:3).
- What shall we do? "Come out from among them and be separate says the Lord... and you shall be my sons and daughters" (Isaiah 52:11, 2Corinthians 6:17).
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