(photo by Christian V)
“Object permanence” is a concept from the field of developmental psychology. I remember reading about the idea many years ago, while completing a degree in the field. The phenomenon was researched and described in detail by Jean Piaget, the famous Swiss psychologist.
The very young do not appear to understand that objects removed from their field of view continue to exist. If an object is covered or a child simply looks away, Piaget observed, the child seems to lose confidence that the object once in view still exists. This may be why the very young find “peek-a-boo” so stimulating. They are genuinely delighted – and surprised! – to discover that their playmate still exists, when he or she peeks around the corner once again. This may also explain why the very young do not seem to mind so very much when a parent or caregiver disappears from the room. Once out of sight, it seems, why bother? – they simply, inexplicably, no longer exist.
Eventually, however, children come to understand that physical objects are very often permanent. Then “peek-a-boo:” becomes less entertaining. (“You’re not fooling me!”) Parents and caregivers are more dearly missed. (“I know they exist! Where have they gone?”) It becomes more difficult to fool a child with a simple sleight of hand, and so on. Object permanence “is one of an infant’s most important accomplishments,” Piaget argued.1 It marks a true developmental breakthrough, permitting children to understand and negotiate their world successfully. Imagine our confusion were we to suppose that the world just beyond our horizon didn’t exist. How difficult it would be to live our lives successfully!
The New Testament is filled with a spiritual variety of “object permanence.” It represents a significant developmental breakthrough, as well.
This is true especially with relation to Jesus. “In a little while the world will no longer see me,” Jesus advised his disciples in the days before his death, resurrection, and ascension. “But you will see me” (John 14:19). He will send the Holy Spirit (John 16:7ff.). He will live in and among his followers (Matthew 18:20). He will attend the preaching of his Word (Romans 10:8-9,17, Revelation 19:13, etc.). And he will come again in glory at the end of time (Acts 1:11, John 14:3, etc.).
This Object is permanent. He is the same “yesterday and today and forever,” though he may have disappeared from view (Hebrews 13:8).
“Object permanence” applies to the community of Jesus, too. Paul carries the Philippians in his heart, whether they remain in his field of view or not (Philippians 1:7). He challenges them to hold true to their faith, whether Paul himself remains at their side or not (Philippians 2:12). The Body of Christ is permanent. Nothing can destroy it or sever its bonds (Matthew 16:18, Romans 8:38-39). “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Romans 11:29).
“There’s far more here than meets the eye,” Paul reminded the Corinthians. “The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever” (2 Corinthians 4:18).
And “object permanence” applies to the lost. The lost sheep is present to the shepherd’s heart, though it is no longer seen (Luke 15:3ff.). The lost coin is ever in the heart of the housekeeper (Luke 15:8ff.). The lost son remains always in the heart of his devoted father, though he has wandered far away and no longer remains in view (Luke 15:11ff.). The prodigal is there, just beyond the horizon. The father’s heart will yearn and wait for him.
It is difficult to live our lives successfully without achieving this fundamental breakthrough. We might call it, Kingdom permanence. The King is present, though we may not see him. The Kingdom is here, though not always so easily discerned. And the King’s work is always, always at hand – though sometimes, it is true, we look away. The mission of God remains.