viii. 17. _And I will wait upon the Lord, &c._
+I. The characteristic appellation of Jehovah.+ "The God who hideth
Himself."[1] +II. The implied mysteriousness of His dealings with His
people.+ It is not merely from Babylon or Egypt, from Tyre or
Nineveh, that He hides His face, but from "the house of Jacob."
1. The persons referred to may be regarded as typical of the Church.
Though descended from Abraham, they were called "the house of
_Jacob_," to denote that they were a _chosen_ people--a _praying_
people (this at least was true of the best men among them)--a people
_in whom God delighted._ 2. With these persons He dealt in a manner
contrary to what we should have expected. Looking only at the
relation in which He stood to them, we should have expected that the
light of His countenance would have gladdened them continually. Yet
He hid Himself; and He frequently hides Himself not only from the
world, but from the Church; not only from the wicked man, but from
the believer. Yet here is a difference: in the one case it is total
and constant, in the other it is but partial and temporary. In the
one case it is in anger, in the other it is in love (Rev. iii. 19).
3. The modes in which He hides Himself. (1) In the cloud of
providential darkness--affliction, bereavement, &c. (Isa. l. 10)
(2) In the withholding of the conscious enjoyment of religion (Job
xv. 11; xxii. 2).[2] +III. The resolve of the believer under this
visitation.+ In nothing does the grace of God shine more unmistakably
than in the way in which the Christian bears trouble. "Behold, this
evil is of the Lord; why should I wait for the Lord any longer?" said
a wicked man of old; but "I will look unto the Lord, and will wait
for Him," is the prophet's resolve. 1. As to _looking_ for Him.
(1.) _For whom_ do we look? For our God--our Father--our Friend--our
Deliverer. (2.) _Where_ shall we look for Him? He is near, though
concealed. Then look for Him in Christ, in whom He is reconciling the
world unto Himself, in whom He is well pleased even with us. Look for
Him in His promises--in His ordinances--in your closet. (3.) _How_
shall we look for him? With faith--zeal--energy--determination (Job
xxxv. 10; Jer. xxix. 13). 2. As to _waiting_ for Him. This is a state
of mind frequently enjoined and commended in the Bible. Waiting
implies faith--desire--patience (P. D. 2643). When you have found
Him, fall at His feet and confess your unworthiness. Resolve to
follow Him fully. Cleave to Him with purpose of heart. Pray, "Abide
with me!"--_George Smith, D.D._