Among the Trees
After the fall….
….”Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves loin coverings. They heard the sound of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?”
-Genesis 3:7-9
Notes:
Despite popular belief, the Bible never said that Adam walked with God in the cool of the evening. In fact, he was hiding from the Lord during this time among the trees in the garden.
There are a number of different “trees” that mankind (Adam) hides behind
in the world today for fear of being exposed. However, the truth is, all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. A few of these ‘trees’ that are common today are:
- Religion- This is an attempt to be right with God by outward actions and work while neglecting a true genuine relationship with God through Jesus. The heart of the person that hides behind this tree, above all, needs the cleansing power of the Cross and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
- A Trust in Wealth- Those that hide behind this tree often feel as if they have no need for God and His forgiveness. This can result in a false sense of security and discontentment, and often creates deep grief and unhappiness within the heart of the person.
- Busy-ness- Probably the common tree planted in America today. This tree has carved on its bark emptiness, although it abounds with a multitude of activities. Those that hide behind this tree feel that if they can stay busy enough, then they will not have to face the inward reality of their own sinfulness and pain.
Willing to Take the Challenge?
My question to you is the same one that God asked Adam, and is also the same one that I have asked myself many times: Where are you? Are you hiding from the presence of the Lord? His forgiveness, love and grace through Jesus is available for those that make the decision to come out from behind the trees, and face to face with reality of their own lives.
