“Come out, come out, wherever you are!”

Who remembers this being shouted when playing hide and seek as a kid. I definitely remember hearing and shouting it. It was a time when outside play was a staple. The good old days. In my case, the good old days were the mid 70’s into the 80’s. I know that sounds like a lifetime ago. It wasn’t really but it definitely was a different era.

But this “Come out!” phrase was one used when the seeker gave up on finding the one hiding. It was like I give up, show yourself.

Where are you?

Questions can at times be more important than the answers. As you read along, you’ll find that here in lies that exact truth. It’s not about always having all the right answers but instead it’s about asking the right questions.

Genesis 3…

And the Lord God called to Adam, and said to him, “Where are you?” And Adam said, I heard your voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.

This question was asked after Adam and Eve disobeyed God and the fall of man ensued. And as a result of their disobedience, there was broken communion with the Almighty. All of a sudden, Adam and Eve became aware of their nakedness and spiritual condition. They rebelled, fell and shame came.

But God enters, though He was always present. One question. Just one. Simply put.

Where are you?

This simply stated question was the very first one asked by God in Genesis. It was the same question as that fun childhood game but it was one that came from a completely different perspective. You see, the Seeker, knew exactly where the hider dwelt.

God wasn’t playing that good old fashioned game. He was not pleading for Adam to show himself. His question was not one of physicality. God, of course, knew where Adam’s location was. He is the Almighty. And He also knew where Adam was spiritually but the question was posed so Adam would realize. It was a prompting to bring Adam to a reflection of his spiritual state. It was an invitation. He was inviting Adam to be honest. And God’s goal was and is always reconciliation.

He was reaching, drawing and pursuing. Our loving God. Always pursuant of our hearts.

I was so moved when writing this blog as I could feel Jesus’ mercy for His people so deeply. It was powerfully inspiring. One simple question created a profound spiritual response. In Adam. In me!

Just the grasp of his pursuit changes the atmosphere. It did for me as I wrote this in my living room. The Holy Spirit enveloped the very presence of my home. He was leading me as I authored this post so you could feel the tangible love of God.

Where are you?

Just think about this mix of complex emotions. God, in His holy and beautiful character, was asking Adam this question out of His sorrow and grief. It was a lament in a sense, but it was a longing and compassionate one. I don’t sense a condemning or angry tone. There were definite consequences that came. There had to be. But it was a question posed with divine grace and pursuit. Where are you? “What did the serpent tell you that made you feel that I was a Father you had to run from.”

No Adam, no Eve, you can always come home.

It was reaching, it was drawing. God’s pursuing power was a promise of potential redemption. God’s desire was to heal the broken relationship. And this is the same pattern that continues throughout all of history. In biblical times and today. He is a Chaser of humankind.

Where are you?

Are you in a place that you feel too far gone? Hopelessly lost?

Are you in a satisfied place that you don’t see your need for our beautiful Pursuer?

Or, are you in stagnant place where faith has grown dim?

What is it that you are hiding behind? What is holding you back from drawing closer to God and the love he has for you? Whether it be secret sin, guilt, or shame, know that you are not alone. God is always with you, calling to you, even in the hiding.  

Wherever you dwell, come out of that hiding and become the seeker of the most powerful, compassionate and faithful God.

Lamentations 3:22-23 says…

Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not.
They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.

His faithfulness.

A holy, reverent, powerful, merciful God sent His only Son to die for you. For me. For each and every person. So let’s pursue Him as He is always pursuing us. And it’s a place of love that no human love could ever compare.

You can always come home!

God bless!

Tanya

AI free. ;)

Any and all quotes from elsewhere have quotations.