January 02, 2020
The tragic beginning of our sinfulness is recorded in the dawn of human history. Genesis, Chapter 3, recounts the temptation given by Satan and the sad choices of Adam and Eve to believe Satan’s lies, doubt God’s character, and disobey God.
The most notable truth of this chapter is not man’s sinfulness, but God’s response. It tells us of the God with whom we have to do. Since He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, this response is always to be expected from God.
GOD IS ALWAYS THERE, LONGING TO HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH US.
“They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:8-9)
Even when we are sinful, He is there. He has not moved. We are the ones who make the choice to leave the presence of God.
GOD ALWAYS SEES THROUGH OUR EXCUSES.
Adam blamed Even and Eve blamed Satan for their sin. But God cut right through their deception (Genesis 3:9-12). He did not waste time and He did not excuse their sin. We cannot fool God.
GOD ALWAYS DEALS WITH SIN.
God brought judgment against Satan and against both Adam and Eve for their sin. He must deal with sin and there are always consequences for our choices (Genesis 3:8-19). And, the greatest consequence is to be separated from God Himself.
GOD ALWAYS OFFERS HOPE.
In the midst of their sin and God’s judgment, He makes a foreshadowing promise regarding a Savior that would come to set us free and remove the penalty of our sin (Genesis 3:15). There is always a way of escape for our sin, made possible by the grace and mercy of God.
Like our first parents, our sin brings the same reaction from God—both the discipline we deserve and the mercy that we do not deserve. By way of their sad example, but our greater understanding of God, we must turn from our sin and seek above all else the presence of our great, kind, and redemptive Father.
Lord, help me to understand and know You. Make me realize before I sin that you are waiting for me in the cool of the day. May Your love and desire keep me from the sin that will separate us. And when I fail, let me embrace any discipline that is necessary for growth and look to You for the forgiveness and mercy that is only found in Christ.
February 20, 2025
If you have questions about how real, how present, how personal and intimate the Lord is, then just read six words of travelogue in Luke’s journal as he traveled with Paul.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
