Tuesday, October 16, 2012

No Need for Fig Leaves


But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” Gen. 3:9.

Adam and Eve lived in the perfect paradise with their perfect God.  He had not simply provided everything they would need, but He lavished them with everything they could ever want.  It was a beautiful life with an abundance of blessings.  Imagine the late afternoon with the gorgeous sunset sinking into the horizon of the most beautiful place imaginable; their faces basking from the sun’s rays walking and talking with the Lord who created all things.  And then the unimaginable happens…they are convinced that there is more…convinced that their all loving God is holding out on them.  They bite the bait that Satan has lowered into their world, and immediately they realize they have something to hide.  They panic…they blame…they hide…they cover.  Their loving Father strolls down the same path which He has met them on many times before.  But where are they?  They are always here waiting to fellowship with Him.  God calls out with His loving concern, but with sadness in His voice.  Even then, God’s motivation was love instead of condemnation.

How many times have we bitten the bait that Satan lowers into our lives?  How often have we surprised ourselves of the sinful thoughts and destructive bitterness that forces us into the dark?  Satan convinces us that we could have a better life if we just grab the reigns and get on with our plan.  He paints a picture in our hearts of entitlement and resentment against those whom have wounded us.   Whatever the reason that has caused us to crouch and hide will not push God away.  He will never give up on inviting us out of the dark, revealing where we are and coming to us.  Notice that God called out ‘Where?’ not ‘Why?’  His loving question was laced with the desire of going to where they were, meeting them in their shame and covering them with His grace. 

We have the same God that strolled along the path that day looking for His children.  He bends down as we hide in our self-made coverings and reminds us that there is no need for cover…we are already covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.  Because of His Son, we wear righteousness instead of sin, and life instead of death…no need to fig leaves.  He invites us to stand, take His hand and get back on the path of fellowship and intimacy.  As we arise and step out of the darkness of our brokenness we feel loved and cleansed once more.

‘…a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.’ 1 Peter 2:9.

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