Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1-13
In Genesis 3:9 God asked Adam a simple question: “Where are you?”
In verse 10 Adam replied saying, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” Adam’s words are very revealing. Up to this point, Adam had been completely comfortable walking in the garden in full view of God. Adam had enjoyed perfect fellowship with God, a friendship that knew no secrets.
Adam’s reply also summarized the feelings and emotions that Adam experienced after disobeying God and eating the fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.
Guilt. Shame. Embarrassment. Fear of the future. Panic at the realization of what he had done. Adam no was no longer comfortable living in the light of God’s view so Adam hid in the dark. Adam didn’t want to face what he had done. He didn’t want to face the sorry, disappointment, and anger that God was sure to experience when Adam came face to face with God.
God didn’t need to ask Adam where he was. God already knew. God also knew about Adam’s feelings of guilt, embarrassment, shame, and fear. God asked Adam this question because God wanted Adam to come to God. God wanted Adam to admit what he had done and seek forgiveness. God wanted to be able to repair the damage Adam had done to their relationship.
Just as God searched for Adam, He is searching for you and me. God knows we are lost in our sin, hiding from Him, feeling guilty, embarrassed, afraid, and ashamed. God has made away for us to be forgiven of our sin so that our relationship with God can be repaired.
God is calling to you: “Where are you?”
Please, come out of hiding. Jesus died so that the relationship between you and God could be repaired. Talk to God. Confess your sins. Ask God’s forgiveness. Welcome Jesus into your life. When you do, you will begin to enjoy the relationship with God that He longs to have with you.
“For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God's abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:17
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Jesus so that my relationship with You could be repaired. In Jesus’ name. Amen.