TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:8-9
Read: Genesis 3:8–9
Listen: Genesis 3
TODAY’S MESSAGE
God created all things and had a flawless relationship with Adam and Eve in the beginning. Everything is perfect. Adam and Eve have never heard of cancer, murder, heartbreak or pain. They live in unbroken fellowship with God and all things. Genesis 3 tells us that God walks in the Garden of Eden and speaks directly to Adam and Eve. It’s hard for us to imagine what it is like without arguments, sickness, disease, job loss or food insecurity. Everything in Eden functioned perfectly through God’s creativity, generosity and friendship.
But Adam and Eve defy God and eat fruit from the forbidden tree. They hide from God knowing consequences are coming—and we have been hiding ever since. Fellowship with God is broken and lost for them and all humanity. The primary consequence is losing the perfect presence of God. They are driven out of Eden and cherubim are placed at the entrance to guard the gate.
Fortunately, this isn’t the end. God desires to reclaim his perfect creation and fix what is broken. He desires to restore his presence among people. The Bible shares story after story demonstrating God’s plan of restoration. He dwells among the Israelites, sends his son and promises to restore all things. God promises to fix what’s broken and once again dwell among his people.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Memorize Exodus 29:45-46. “Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God. They will know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them out of Egypt so that I might dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 3 John 1.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
