Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Genesis 3:8-13.
It is so easy to let the Bible be a window, rather than a mirror. We look into the story of Adam and Eve and talk about what they did or didn’t do, rather than allow the story to reflect who we are. There are some powerful life-guiding lessons for us in these verses. Let’s focus on two of them today.
First, sin separates. Adam and Eve had a close, intimate relationship with the God who created them, but when they chose to disobey God’s guidance, they immediately felt a sense of separation from God. So, they hid. Scholars say that the word “naked” means much more than just being without clothes. It means to be vulnerable. Their relationship with God now felt different and they didn’t know what to do with that. But notice that God came looking for them. Remember that anytime you feel like you are separated from God. God is looking for you. God wants to restore the relationship (and provided the path for that reconciliation through Jesus Christ).
Secondly, we are notorious “buck-passers.” Adam blames Eve for what happened, and Eve blames the snake. We all have our moments at times when we want to blame someone or something else for circumstances in which we find ourselves or something we have done. Sure, there are those people or situations in our past that contributed to who we are in negative ways, but at some point, it becomes our responsibility to decide whether we will continue to be that way.
Be reminded today that God is always seeking an intimate relationship with you and is willing to forgive you and restore you. Take ownership of who you are and let God guide you to life at its fullest and best.
Personal Worship Option:
Thank you, Almighty God, for the lessons you teach us, even in the story of Creation. Thank you for providing all that we need to sustain our lives. And thank you for the gift of the Sabbath. Help us to keep it holy, separate from other days, and a time for being refreshed in you. Amen.
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