Genesis Chapter 3: Verse 10 (NLT)
He replied, “I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.”
Isaiah 42:3 (NLT)
He will not crush the weakest reed
or put out a flickering candle.
He will bring justice to all who have been wronged.
James 4:8 (NLT)
Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.
The first thing that changed in Adam and Eve’s relationship with God was that fear came in to Adam’s heart. He had known such an intimate relationship with God and then because he sinned, he put a distance between them, he stayed away. Because he did that, I think its now in-built in us. We just need to look at the youngest of children when they have done something wrong, they so often try to hide or cover up what they’ve done. Today on a morning magazine programme on TV there was a piece about things to do this year to improve people’s financial situation. The biggest fault that was reported was people burying their head in the sand. I think that doesn’t only apply to our finances.
When we have done something wrong, or feel we have messed up, our instinct is to stay away from God. After all, we know He is holy, and doesn’t tolerate sin. That’s true, but He also wants to put things right. The devil would have us stay away from God, but the best thing we can do is draw close to God and repent – that is to turn around and start again. That’s what the other two verses encourage us to do. That’s why Jesus came – to give us that chance.
Whatever lies ahead in this year for us, we need to remember that the safest place for us to be is to stay close to God. It’s the safest place to be!
Dear Lord,
Thank You that I can always draw close to You. Because of the blood of Jesus, the curtain that separated mankind from You was torn in two. Help me to make being close to You my default place. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.