Of course, we know that Jesus was not playing peekaboo. He was literally deadly serious. At the time Jesus said these words, he was preparing His disciples for his imminent departure and wanted them to realize that He would return – by way of resurrection. Would you have ‘gotten’ it? Recognizing that His intimates were challenged, it may be safe to say we’re not sure.Have you ever played peekaboo? The objective of the game is to help a baby’s awareness skills by covering your eyes then catching attention when the eyes are uncovered. Whenever the eyes meet, you say, ‘peekaboo; I see you’. Today’s Holy Nougat reminds me of this game.““In a little while you won’t see me anymore. But a little while after that, you will see me again.”” John 16:16 NLT
Yet, in another sense it is partly because they didn’t get it and He came back and appeared, giving them proof that we ought to get that He will also come again in the future. Date and time … to be confirmed. Here’s a secret though – the other date and time had not been confirmed. A little while is relative; it could be days, minutes, years, or months. Especially given the psalmist’s reckoning that time in God’s sight is a bit different (see Psalm 90:4).
So given that their uncertainty became a reality, and given that we’ve got the proof, and given our claim to belief that this is true, what are we doing to be ready for our ‘in a little while’? Are we ensuring that unlike the foolish virgins we are ready? No I’m not saying I know when, I just am encouraging us to be ready. Additionally, given that the peekaboo also served to build the disciples’ confidence to the extent that they went preparing – strictly by faith – for Pentecost in yet another season of waiting, do we also take Jesus at His Word while we wait? Do we believe that what He promised for us in our own lives, including to not leave nor forsake, still holds true for us in times of difficulty?
I dare to suggest it does.
May I propose that we live life to the fullest, in keeping with God’s plans for our lives, recognizing that especially when we feel most alone God is with us, and that like the baby, we also keep on the lookout for Jesus sightings? The next sighting may be through you or in the life of someone you know; or it could be meeting Him in person.
Peekaboo – I think I see Jesus in you!
