How do we describe our relationship with God? The Bible contains various metaphors that illustrate the relationship between God and His people. In today’s reading, God is described as a potter ("penjunan" in TB1) and humankind as His clay. Through this metaphor, God seeks to affirm His complete sovereignty over His creation, humankind. This means that whatever events unfold in our lives are solely His design and within His power. 

Was this not what happened to the people of Judah? Who would have thought that, in the end, God would use Cyrus, a king from a foreign land, to bring about the liberation of a people who were in exile? Not only that, but God will cause great nations, such as Egypt, Ethiopia and Sheba, to submit to Him and also to Israel. It is therefore a logical and appropriate choice for humankind to rely on God alone and not turn to idols that possess no power whatsoever. 

God’s power is so great, yet we often cannot fathom it. This is because the very nature of His workings is a mystery.  “Truly, You are a God who hides Yourself,” as is clearly stated in verse 15. Is it not the case that, in all our limitations, we often perceive God as though He were silent? Yet what is actually happening is that God is at work in silence, doing what is best for His creation. Therefore, our calling as believers is to submit, surrender, and rely solely on Him throughout the entire journey of life.