And the Lord God said, “Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat from the tree that I commanded you not to eat from?”
Into the Text
Adam and Eve disobeyed God and realized they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together to cover their nakedness and then hid from God. This act of disobedience immediately caused a break in their relationship with God. They were guilty and feeling ashamed because of it.
Sin still has the same impact today. When we disobey God, we run and hide, not physically but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Somehow we think we can get away from our omniscient Father. But there is nowhere we can go from His Spirit. There is nowhere we can flee to escape His presence, and that is a good thing.
Despite Adam and Eve’s disobedience, God was kind to them. He could have brought judgement upon them immediately, but He didn’t. He graciously asked them two questions. “Who told you…” and “Did you eat…” God essentially asked them who they listened to and what they did rather than obey Him.
These are the same questions that resonate deep in our souls when we choose to disobey God. Who we listen to shapes the choices we make.
So let’s listen to God. Let’s not run away and hide but remember that “God’s kindness leads [us] to repentance” (Romans 2:4b). Our heavenly Father doesn’t condemn us but longs for us to turn from our sin and return to sweet fellowship with Him.
Prayer
Father, thank you for your mercy and kindness. Thank you that I don’t need to run and hide from you but can come boldly to your throne of grace. Help me to turn to you first when I sin. Thank you for loving me and forgiving me. Amen.