Hello ICC Family!
The Lord speaks to us in many different ways each and every day - as long as we have our spiritual ears open and are willing to listen. Some days He amazes me by showing me a new aspect of his character as I am preparing to lead a Bible study or preach a sermon. Other days I am touched by the teaching of others, though. And that is what happened this week, as I received a devotional article via email that I have not been able to stop thinking about it. So, today I want to share a summary of it with you. Please know this is not my personal insight, but my version of a Crossway publishers devotional…
The writer started by saying, “We don't think enough about how Adam and Eve hid from God after they sinned against God.” Do you remember that from story of the fall in Genesis 3? As soon as Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, they realized they were naked and were ashamed, and upon hearing God walking in the garden… they hid. That is not just a minor detail in the story, though. It is an insight into the depths of Satan’s treachery… because in sinning against God, not only did they break God’s command, but they were also tricked into immediately thinking that God was their biggest problem. Yet this was not the case at all! Yes, God pronounced judgement on Adam and Eve, but at the same time He also promised them a Savior that would one day crush the head of the serpent devil, freeing them to know his love and mercy and grace. They were hiding from the only One that could provide them their salvation.
This should be a reminder and a sign for us! When we sin, we also immediately think that God is our greatest problem. A God that is Lord of all, God Almighty, holy and righteous, surely wants nothing to do with us other than to judge us. However, God is not our greatest problem, instead He is our greatest help! The only way back to God is through his loving forgiveness and healing. Just like with Adam and Eve in the garden, He comes to us - searching for us, making a way for reconciliation and restoration to take place through Jesus. We run and hide like little children, thinking that if we are caught, we will be punished. And there is punishment for sin, surely. However, that punishment was already carried out, and Jesus Christ took it in our place. Instead of running and hiding, we should be running back into the loving and open arms of our Savior. Just like the prodigal son returning to his Father - kind, forgiving, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love.
I hope that thought is helpful to you today and the rest of this week. What encouragement is available to us in the Word - even seemingly innocent phrases about hiding!… Please join us this evening for our discipleship time at 6:15. If you have any prayer requests or contact information changes, make sure you click one of the buttons below.
Blessings to all of you and know that I am praying for you!
Pastor Aaron
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