Pastor's Column 11/3/2024

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord.”  “No, I am far away at the same time. Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord.       Jeremiah 23:24-25, NLT

“No Hiding Place!”

We humans have instinctively sought a hiding place when confronted with an immediate threat. It is early in the Biblical account of the human journey that we find the first parents of record, quickly seeking a place of protection, as they grappled with the consequences of disobedience and sin. The Scripture tells us when Adam and Eve breached the boundaries of what was intended for them, their response was to run as quickly as possible. They thought fleeing would take them beyond the reach of their Creator. It is of note, that this is the first time a description of humans “ever running” appeared in the divine account of Creation. Running, of this sort, is a flee-response to an event where a person senses danger. The adrenaline is raised, and the heart palpitates at a fast rate, not intended in normal times. Often when we’re faced with a dilemma that is owed to some human failure, fleeing is the preferable way to avoid any confrontation or accountability.  Feeling vulnerable to punishment will cause a person to hide. When David feared the wrath of King Saul, he wisely retreated to a cave. This may be a great tactic when an enemy pursues us. But attempting to allude the attention of God is impossible. The Israelite leaders who flagrantly disobeyed God thought very little of the consequences. Jeremiah, the prophet, warned the subversive leaders that suffering would occur because of their brazen conduct. We hear the voice of God speaking to the people in strong terms. God reminds the people that He is omnipresent, in all places always. Try as we might, hiding from God is impossible! In our day of callous neglect for God’s call for justice; and the treatment of others with kindness and mercy, no message of God’s persistent presence could be more urgent. Jonah and Elijah would both testify, no one can hide from God. God will meet us in opulent or desolate places, and His voice will be heard. For any who fears the tyranny and injustice of others, the evil doer cannot hide! God, who is ever-present is here to help!