The big Bible story of Hide and Seek

Martyn Payne

Introduction

God sometimes feels close, while at other times he seems to be out of reach and out of sight. Sometimes God startles us by the immediacy of his presence but then God is gone again, drawing us on by his very absence.

This has been the experience of God's people down the ages, ever since we cut ourselves off from intimacy with God in the beginning. It is as true an experience of God for the 'great names' of the Bible as it is for Christians today. God calls us 'to live by faith and not by what we see' (2 Corinthians 5:7) because 'faith makes us sure of what we hope for and gives us proof of what we cannot see' (Hebrews 11:1).

This 'hide and seek' God is a puzzle to some, who cannot understand why God doesn't just show himself to everyone at all times. Of course, the truth is that as human beings we could not bear that sight; but also, where then would be the growth of trust that marks true friendship and is a sign of true love? God does show himself at particular times but mostly God remains invisible. God grants moments of dazzling sight in order to help his people to seek after him and thereby live lives of genuine faith.

The following big story of this 'hide and seek' God explores the theme across the Bible through eight stories, all of which can be found in a modern retelling in The Barnabas Children's Bible. They represent those moments of 'seeing' that many of us will recognize, as we too have to put our trust in an invisible God. Moments such as looking up at the sky at night (Abraham), wrestling with God in a life-and-death prayer (Jacob), enjoying moments of great celebration in worship (David), experiencing an extraordinarily vivid dream (Solomon), struggling during times of personal danger (the disciples); or being especially inspired at important transition times of our lives, which are marked by ceremony and symbol (Jesus' baptism), in a mysterious and significant vision (Ezekiel), or even when facing death (John).

Preparation

For each of the stories, there is additional material that can be used with groups to follow up the big reflective story or as stand-alone sessions. Each of these experiences of God were special moments for those concerned, challenging or sustaining them for the rest of their lives of faith, through many years when God remained present but invisible, close but hidden, and thereby drawing them ever onwards to seek him more.

The supporting Bible stories:

The Promise (Abraham in prayer)

The Fight (Jacob at Peniel)

The Dance (David and the ark)

The Dream (Solomon)

The Vision (Ezekiel in exile)

The Beginning (Jesus at his baptism)

The Crisis (The disciples in a storm)

The End (John's final revelation)

In a similar way, Hebrews 11 lists stories of Bible heroes and reminds the reader that they lived by faith, not by sight. The greatest moment of 'seeing God' was, of course, in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Along with the stories of faith in the Old Testament, this inspires us today to live by faith as we try to follow Jesus.

Here is a famous prayer on this theme from St Ambrose:

Lord, teach me to seek thee,

And reveal thyself to me when I seek thee.

For I cannot seek thee unless thou teach me,

Nor find thee except thou reveal thyself.

Let me seek thee in longing,

Let me long for thee in seeking;

Let me find thee in love,

And love thee in finding.

Amen

Development

The Big Story

(To see how the visuals work with the following reflective story, go to: Hide and Seek - story grid with pictures)

Do you still play hide and seek?

It has to be one of the very first games most of us learn to play.

Now you see me... now you don't.

Peek-a-boo!

It's a game with a purpose.

Through it we learn to trust. Although something may no longer be in front of our eyes, it is still there, just out of sight.

It can be like this with God.

Perhaps the game is a God-given lesson about faith that can help us through life.

God is in all places and in all times. God holds everything together. There's no place, no experience where God is not present. Sometimes we are deeply aware of that presence and a moment of glory helps us know it. This inspires us and draws us on to seek God and live by faith from then on.

It was with faith like this that Abraham obeyed God, when he was told to go to the promised land. He had a vision from God that changed his life. It led him on to seek God's eternal city.

It was with faith like this that Jacob dared to return and meet Esau. A strange thing happened by a brook that changed his life. It led him on to seek God and find him in the face of his own brother.

It was with faith like this that David danced before the ark of the covenant as it was brought into Jerusalem. It changed his life and led him on to seek God's face in his prayers and psalms.

It was with faith like this that Solomon heard God speaking to him in a dream. It changed his life and led him on to seek God through his wisdom and writings.

It was with faith like this that Ezekiel saw visions from God. They changed his life and led him on to seek the God who gives a new heart and new life.

It was with faith like this that Jesus was aware of God's unique presence, when he was baptized in the Jordan. It led him on to seek God's kingdom at all times and in all places.

It was with faith like this that the friends of Jesus made new discoveries. Once, they were caught in a storm on the lake and then everything was changed. It led them on to seek God in the life of Jesus.

It was with faith like this that John, at the end of his life, caught a glimpse of Jesus. It changed him and helped to prepare him and us to seek our true home in heaven.

These moments of glory led to a seeking after God, which made possible days and years of faith.

God is still teaching us through his heavenly 'hide and seek' to trust him in the dark - to walk by faith, not by sight.

God still comes close to us through the beauties of the world, the stories of his people, the life of Jesus and the words and love of friends and strangers.

God is both closer than our very breathing but always also just around the corner, drawing each of us ever onward to where we belong.

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