Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of You in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” The man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” Genesis 3:9-13 NASB
When I sin and do not live up to the expectation of God or even myself, I am disappointed, feel shame, and hide from God. I think that’s human nature. Its modeled in the first great sin.
Death is a separation and severing. To die, means the separation of body and soul. To die the second death is to be separated from God’s presence forever. God was truthful when he said the day you eat of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, you will die. What was separated from man was his “innocence” and with that sin came shame and separation from fellowship with God. Certainly worth mentioning is the “blame game” that goes on even today. Adam blames Eve (instead of taking personal responsibility). Eve, in turn, blames the serpent. Its really only when I see my personal culpability and seek forgiveness can relationships begin a season of restoration. Here, God initiates it all as a wonderful display of grace, even giving them proper loin coverings at the expense and sacrifice of an animal.
How has God demonstrated His grace in my life? Am I seeking God, as He seeks me? Or am I hiding out?
Thank you God,- that Your grace exists to cover my shame. Jesus sacrificial death has paid the penalty for me sin and afforded me fellowship with You. As this continues, I am prayerful for the people in our country. It feels like we are confused and at a civil war, playing a “blame game”. Would you supersede it all by the power of love and Your grace. Bring forgiveness from the hearts of all who know You. May we somehow regain the innocence of a child with our Heavenly Father.
