Are trying to hide from God? Do you think you can hide your sin from the Lord?
Frankie is a miniature Dachshund that originally was our granddaughters’ dog but has since come to live with us. He turns fourteen-years-old this month which puts him well into his dogie senior years. Like many dachshunds, Frankie has a back problem that limits the use of his hind legs. Combine his age and his back problem with the fact that he has never liked cold weather and you will have a clear understanding of why he hates going outside in the winter.
It is both amusing and a little annoying when he hides his head under his blanket when you are trying to send him outside. Apparently he believes he cannot be seen if he cannot see you. Of course, this doesn't work. Nevertheless, he doesn't budge until you uncover his head and make him aware that he has been busted.
Unfortunately, there are a number of people that are convinced that they can hide their sins from God in a like manner. The Bible has several examples of people that tried to hide their sins by hiding from God. Adam and Eve thought they could hide out in God’s own garden. King David thought that an adulterous affair could be covered up. Jonah thought that he could outrun God; and Achan thought he could bury his disobedience.
Such actions are futile because God is omniscient (i.e. all-knowing) and omnipresent (i.e. ever-present). The Psalmist said:
In addition, God is activity seeking to reconcile the sinner to himself. God sought out Adam and Eve. God sent a prophet to confront David’s conspiracy. God sent a taxi in the form of a great fish to return Jonah to his proper place. Like the hound relentlessly pursuits a rabbit in Francis Thompson poem The Hound of Heaven, God and his grace purses the sinner.
If you are trying to play hiding-seek with God, stop! God knows exactly where you are!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Update:
Since writing this piece, Fankie has died. He remains one of God's little animals that wiggled their way into our hearts and made us better.
Frankie is a miniature Dachshund that originally was our granddaughters’ dog but has since come to live with us. He turns fourteen-years-old this month which puts him well into his dogie senior years. Like many dachshunds, Frankie has a back problem that limits the use of his hind legs. Combine his age and his back problem with the fact that he has never liked cold weather and you will have a clear understanding of why he hates going outside in the winter.
It is both amusing and a little annoying when he hides his head under his blanket when you are trying to send him outside. Apparently he believes he cannot be seen if he cannot see you. Of course, this doesn't work. Nevertheless, he doesn't budge until you uncover his head and make him aware that he has been busted.
Unfortunately, there are a number of people that are convinced that they can hide their sins from God in a like manner. The Bible has several examples of people that tried to hide their sins by hiding from God. Adam and Eve thought they could hide out in God’s own garden. King David thought that an adulterous affair could be covered up. Jonah thought that he could outrun God; and Achan thought he could bury his disobedience.
Such actions are futile because God is omniscient (i.e. all-knowing) and omnipresent (i.e. ever-present). The Psalmist said:
O Lord, you have searched me and known me!And again:
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
Psalm 139:1-3 ESV
Where shall I go from your Spirit?There is no hiding from God. Neither your person nor your sin is hidden from God.
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.
Psalm 139:7-12 ESV
In addition, God is activity seeking to reconcile the sinner to himself. God sought out Adam and Eve. God sent a prophet to confront David’s conspiracy. God sent a taxi in the form of a great fish to return Jonah to his proper place. Like the hound relentlessly pursuits a rabbit in Francis Thompson poem The Hound of Heaven, God and his grace purses the sinner.
If you are trying to play hiding-seek with God, stop! God knows exactly where you are!
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV)
Update:
Since writing this piece, Fankie has died. He remains one of God's little animals that wiggled their way into our hearts and made us better.
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