I lived with my cousins for a year during my childhood. They were always so kind to invite me to play hide-and-seek with them, and I was a great “hider”. They confessed years later that they never really looked for me; the game was just a way to get rid of me for extended periods of time (I must have been a really annoying kid).
I have always laughed at the verse in the book of John where Jesus left his friends and hid himself from them. Those guys must have really been annoying! In context, it actually seems like Jesus is asking them to grow up because he is not going to be there to physically lead them all the time. And then He goes and hides as if to illustrate the point that they will be on their own.
As we reflect on the fact that our freedom and salvation were purchased at great cost, we should understand that it is our responsibility to mature in our faith as we continue to walk in the light of God’s blessing. We can always depend on the Lord and His presence, but we should also make daily personal decisions that lead us to obedience and purity. Seek and you will find (Matthew 7:7).