“When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.” John 12:36b
Ever have times when you feel like hiding? I bet we all do—and we’re in good company. The apostle John tells us that Jesus hid, too.
The instance in the scripture above took place in Jerusalem during the week before Jesus’ crucifixion. While speaking to a crowd, he predicted his death and encouraged the people to “‘trust in the light . . . so that you may become sons of light,’” and then he left and hid from them.
We aren’t told why Jesus hid from the people at this time. Maybe he needed a break from the crowd surrounding him daily, or possibly he was trying to prevent an uproar that could lead to his death before the time was right. He might have wanted the people to have time to consider what he’d just said. Whatever the reason, Jesus saw the importance or felt the need to hide.
An oft-quoted passage from the Bible tells us that “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.”(Ecclesiastes 3:1) If Jesus saw that there was indeed a time to hide, should we not secret ourselves away at times as well?
So when should we hide away—either from everyone, those outside our closest circle, or maybe just from our work environment?
One time might be when we’re in serious need of rest or refreshment. Another could be when we need some time to focus on a certain project, person, or aspect of our lives.
There may even come a time when we need a period of healing or a season when we need to hide for protection. And we always benefit when we take time to hide away with the Lord, through daily time in prayer and the Word and also in extended times alone with him.
I wonder if it’s a time to hide for any of us right now. Can we sense the importance of such a time? Do we feel the need? Let’s remember that there is indeed a time for everything. Yes, even a time to hide.
“. . . hide me in the shadow of your wings” Psalm 17:8b
*When was the last time you hid? Why did you do it? What resulted? Do you need to hide now?
*Flickr photo by Duncan~
Five Years of Blogging
I couldn’t let September 17th go by without bringing a mini-milestone to light. After all, five years of blogging deserves a mention, right? It might even call for some chocolate! :)
A few of you have probably been with me from the beginning and several more for three or four of those years now. Some of you are relatively new, possibly stopping by for only the last year or so. Whatever your time frame with me, I’m so happy you make me a part of your life.
That’s probably the best part of blogging—the opportunity to touch the lives of others, being able to bless and encourage and being blessed and encouraged in return. Your support and friendship mean so much to me.
To celebrate my five-year mark, let’s have some fun. For each of you who leave a comment on this post, I will leave a comment back (though I may group a few remarks in one comment) telling you five words or phrases that come to mind when I think of you. Five for five. Fun, huh?
If I don’t know you very well, feel free to go ahead and play. It will just challenge my creative abilities, right? And that will be fun, too :)
So go ahead. Leave a comment and find out my five for five for you. I’m so thankful for you all!
“[I] love you so much that [I am] delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but [my life] as well, because you have become so dear to [me].” 1 Thessalonians 2:8
*Do you remember when you first started visiting my blog? Do you remember how you found it or came to know about it?
*Flickr photo by TheDeliciousLife