We are so anxious to make proselytes and get the world converted that it is difficult for us to accept the concept of God deliberately hindering people in their understanding of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven. But this is what the Word of God states.

The reason we have trouble with this concept is that we are man-centered rather than God-centered. We judge matters from man's point of view rather than God's point of view.

God is the Possessor of infinite glory and limitless treasure. He is careful whom He permits to enter His glory and obtain His treasure.

Only those individuals who choose to humble themselves as a little child will be able to see the Kingdom and enter the Kingdom. Those who are proud, who think God owes them something, will never be allowed to enter the Kingdom.

God makes darkness His secret place and hides Himself from all creatures except those whom He finds worthy to know Him and to receive His gifts.

How we plod on, year after year, seeking to know the Lord, striving to please Him and to keep His commandments! The times when we are able to catch a glimpse of Him are few and far between but they are well worth the trial of our faith.

Much of the time we are confronted by "dark waters and thick clouds of the skies," and so there is a temptation to live in the world as comfortably as we can and not press into the things of God.

Dark waters and thick clouds today. Tomorrow a joyful welcome into the land of endless day, if we endure to the end. We know God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. Our physical eyes behold the darkness. Our spirit groans because of the sin and oppression that abound. But our eyes of faith behold the land that is very far off and the Lord Jesus at the right hand of God.

Even now the gate opens before us and we are ravished by the sight of the garden of God. Endless glory and joy await those who are faithful to death in seeking the God of Israel, the God who hides Himself.

To be continued.