by Pastor Robin Wiley
Scripture
Hebrews 4:13
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
For the Adults:
Hide n’ Go Seek
"Come out; come out, wherever you are!" Sound familiar? I am sure you have played Hide and Go Seek in your lifetime – right? You count to some number - usually 50 and then shout those words before going off to find all your friends or family hidden. What child or even adult hasn't played Hide and Go Seek? Watching young children hide by covering their eyes, or pushing their heads into a couch pillow, is quite amusing! They figure if they can't see the seeker, then the seeker can't see them!
Isn't this a picture of what we sometimes do with God?
When I was in my late teens and early twenties, I remember being overwhelmed with the knowledge that God sees me, ALL. THE. TIME! I couldn't do anything without him knowing about it. There was no place to hide! (A frightening thought when you're trying to live life apart from God.) I realized the more I drifted away from Him, the more I needed Him.
But our Seeker, who knows the thoughts and intents of our hearts, pursues us despite our waywardness. When we come to the realization that God's kindness leads us to repentance, and not his wrath, that is the beginning of overcoming our fear of God and a life of friendship with him. When we understand that the Seeker isn't out to get us, but wants to rescue us, it is a life-changing, load-off-your-back kind of experience!
But what about today's Bible verse that says we must give an account? What does that mean? Giving an account is telling the story of who we are and how we have behaved over time. Is how we act and talk for good or for bad? Did we let our brother take our favorite toy from us while were playing with it or did we share? Did we post on social media encouragement for someone or were we critical? Who among us is worthy to stand? The answer is no one! Apart from Jesus, our only hope would be to run and hide. Yet, our attempts would be as futile as a small child closing her eyes to get away and hide.
Thanks be to God, our sins are forgiven because of Jesus. We can stand before him with eyes wide open. John writes: “I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for his name’s sake.” (1 John 2:12). Jesus gives a good account on our behalf. His sacrifice makes us righteous. We are secure in him. What a blessed thought!
Who wants to run and hide from that kind of love? Sadly, sometimes we do, which is why, as God's children we need to be reminded of our position in Christ. God loves us and only wants the best for us – that is why he gave us his son, Jesus to atone for our sins. Running to Jesus with our problems and joys is the answer.
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. (Galatians 6:9)
For the kiddos:
Enter:
Find a comfortable place where your family can sit together. You can ask questions like these (don’t feel the need to ask all of them!):
· What do we hide from God about ourselves?
· How can we look for God in the small things?
· When God feels distant – how can we draw nearer to him?
· What encouragement does 1 John 2:12 provide?
Hear:
Read the Bible Passages. (Hebrews 4:13, 1 John 2:12 & Galatians 6:9) For younger children, a picture Bible may be used.
Pause
Take a few seconds, or maybe a minute to sit with the scripture in silence. With little ones, it may be a ten count, but we can sit still and let God’s word work in their hearts!
Wonder:
· If you were given superpowers for one day – what would they be and what would you do with them?
· What does “doing good” mean to you? How are you behaving when you are doing good?
Bless:
Affirm what was discussed about the story.
Look for ways to do good for that particular day. This can be the small things – like taking out the trash for Mom or Dad; cleaning your room! (guaranteed to get a smile out of Mom!); volunteering to do the dishes or cleanup after a meal, reading a story to your younger sibling before bed. Call someone and offer encouragement.
Look for ways to run to God instead of hiding. Simply reading a short daily devotional, prayer or meditate on a particular scripture will strengthen your relationship with Him.
Praise God, Give thanks, Pray for others, confess sins, Praise God!
Example:
"Thank you, Father God, that you loved me before I loved you. Thank you for seeking me when I was lost and didn't want to be found. Like the Good Shepherd – you left the 99 to come seek me. Thank you for counting me as part of your family. Help me to always run towards you, in good times or bad. In Jesus name – Amen!