On Tuesday we ended our study looking at the consequences of Adam and Eve's choice in the garden. What did sin accomplish? Guilt, condemnation and separation. Guilt - they saw that they were naked and were ashamed. Condemnation - the curses that came because of sin. Separation - they were forced out of the garden lest they eat from the tree of life and live forever in their desecrated bodies.
These three consequences are reality for all people. Sometimes I think that only believers are given the grace and sight to understand this, but you know, that's not altogether true. Look at our world. Look at its desire for youth and its fear of death. Look at the sadness and marriages lying in ruin, and see where the world turns to for hope - medicine? psychology? sex? retribution? false religion? community service? alcohol? selfishness and self-preservation?
Look at the world's love of the earth and its worship of it. They know that nature is not living up to its potential and they know who is responsible for its failure. So they place a higher value on the environment than they do on human life, passing laws to protect the created rather than the steward put in charge of creation. It blows my mind...
Deep down, man is created with a knowledge of God and is responsible for his rejection of Him. They bear the guilt, condemnation and separation that comes from sin. It's a miserable place to dwell, and the world not only dwells there, but it vacations there, it sleeps there and it marinates in sin. That's why things aren't getting better. This downward spiral will eventually bring the wrath of God into the picture and then things will get better. But not before then...
But thanks be to God, our Lord and Savior! He has taken away our guilt! He has removed our condemnation! He has replaced separation with communion! We have not been left in our dastardly state (yes, I used the word "dastardly" - how cool was that? and if you're not sure what it means, LOOK IT UP!) but have been given the gift which stands above all gifts. The gift which cost too much for us to purchase on our own. The gift for which we shall eternally be grateful! The gift which we don't deserve but we have been made alive to accept!
Do you have the gift from God? Do you remember daily what you have been saved from? Can you see how starting your day at the foot of the cross, in humble gratitude and overwhelming thanksgiving, could change the outcome of your day?
Ladies, my weekend wish for you is that you remember the garden and let it thrust your heart to the cross. We are not hopeless as the rest of the world. We are saved, secured, loved and cherished. As you wrap up this study on sin through your homework, be sure to spend some time thanking the Lord for His gift which has given you life. And then go one step further - tell someone about it...you have studied it in Genesis 3 and you know the outcome for believers in Romans 8, so go and share it with someone - encourage them if they know the Lord or if they don't, introduce them to Christ...
Have a great weekend, ladies...
Kristen
Thanks again, Kristen for reminding me that the reality of this world is not even near to the reality of what God has for me. And for causing me to have compassion on others who need him so much.
ReplyDeletePraise God! His grace is the only ground upon which we can stand! All other ground is sinking sand (not original, but definitely true!). When you think of the two types of ground, they are a representation of what we can choose to step onto (or into) throughout each and every moment of the day. There is nothing worthwhile in that sinking sand.
It reminds me of the song we sing, "Grace, grace, grace..." I surely need his grace! And he freely gives!
What a God we serve! This morning I was reading Psalm 111:7, " The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy"..." His precepts are trustworthy. What he tells us to do, we can do trusting him. He tells us many things in his word, but summarizes it in two simple commands. Love God, love others. Can we do that? Can I do that today? This weekend? YES! Will I?? Not on my own, but in his strength, and to please him. II Corinthians 10:3-4, "For though we walk in the fesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but have divine power to destroy stongholds." And we know what those weapons are from Ephesians 6.
Now, I must confess...it is a rainy morning, and I'm a little weird in that I LOVE rainy mornings. This morning I had a really passionate time in the word and prayer. It makes me want to sing and dance and share that passion with others! You are my outlet this morning. So if you DON'T like rainy mornings, I'm going to hope that my sunny disposition is not adding to your distress, but rather turning you to his truth. Enjoy your quiet time with him. Then share your passion, too!
In Christ alone,
Laurie