One of the most popular kids' game of all time is "Hide and Seek." You know the rules. It's a lot of fun and parents can get in on the fun as well. I think that just about everybody has played it at one time or another.
There's one point in the game when all the players are called back without the danger of being tagged. The phrase, "Olly Olly Oxen Free" is probably a childish rendition of "Everybody All Come Free."
The phrase basically means, "It's safe to come out from your hiding place."
Since the very beginning of human existence, sinful people have tried to hide...hide from God, and yes, hide from each other. Most of us have grown up and think that "Hide and Seek" is a game for children. Trust me, lots of grown ups still play hide and seek. At least the "hide" part.
When Adam and Eve failed God's test badly, their first reaction was to hide. "...and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of God among the trees of the garden." (Genesis 3:8)
Sinful people are still hiding. They hide in their careers, their pleasures, their travels. They hide in front of a computer screen. They hide in the whirlwind of a "busy" life. They hide by wearing masks. The masks cover the true self. A mask makes it possible to hide in plain sight without having to spend your days in a closet.
Ironically, people often hide in church. Ever notice that the back rows in a church are ALWAYS the most popular? There's a simple reason. You can hide on the back row. It's really hard to hide on the front row!
If you arrive late for a worship celebration, you can ALWAYS find a seat on the front row. You can sit next to me, until it's time for me to get up and talk. The view from the front row is fantastic! You can be close to the spout when the glory pours out! Try it sometime.
As devoted followers of Christ, it's time for us to live a "Olly Olly Oxen Free" kind of life. In Christ, you don't have to hide anymore. You don't have to wear the mask. You can embrace your true self. If you don't find the compassion and acceptance that you crave--it's the other person's problem and not yours. You can't stay hidden and find true life in Jesus Christ. You can come out now.
Maybe we should start our worship celebrations, Bible Fellowship Classes, and Small Groups by proclaiming, "Olly Olly Oxen Free!"
You can come out now.
Live the Red,
Mark
(P.S., Can you spot the mom in today's pic? I thought you could.)
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