While listening to one of my music students perform, I was asked by a former music teacher of my own which was easier for me, performing myself or listening to a student of mine perform. Without hesitation I replied that performing myself is much easier. If I made an error, it was on me to recover from it. When listening to my students I had to trust that they were prepared to recover from any error they might make.
Reading about Eve and Adam’s performance in Genesis 3:1-6 we observe that they have violated the only command they were given in eating from the tree of knowledge and evil. Have you ever wondered what God was doing while Eve was in dialogue with the serpent? Or when she gave the fruit to Adam he willingly consumed? We’re not told the answers to these questions in Genesis. What are we told?
Read Genesis 3:8-19
After covering themselves with leaves to hide their nakedness from each other, Eve and Adam hear God approaching them. Then they decide to hide from God.
Did you catch the important information here? God approached them. God came to them after they disobeyed his command. He went looking for them, but they tried to hide. God had created an abundant garden with purpose, beauty and sustenance for Eve and Adam. He gave them one rule to follow in their relationship with Him. After observing them disobey, He pursues them. Why?
What are the questions he asks them?
- To Adam:
- Where are you?
- Who told you that you were naked?
- Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?
- To Eve:
- What is this that you have done?
- To the serpent:
- No questions were asked!
As the creator of the universe and ultimate law giver it is appropriate for God to issue some consequences for their disobedience (Review Genesis 3:14-19). Don’t miss the fact found in this passage that God is the one who seeks us after we sin in order to restore our relationship with Him.
What else do you learn about God in this passage? I’d love to hear from you!
Blessings,
Barbara Lynn