This morning, I went back to “the beginning” and started reading Genesis. I got through the creation stories, but then, while reading about Adam and Eve, my thought for the day came.
“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, ‘Where are you?'”
There’s something beautiful about this part of Genesis. Here, we are introduced to an amazing trio: God, Adam, and Eve. The picture is one of friendship and presence. God, in God’s real presence, comes to them and walks with them in the garden. There was no fear, no shame, no barriers. The Creator delighted in us, and we, apparently, enjoyed time with God. Can you see, in your mind, the image of God walking, talking, and laughing with Adam and Eve in the cool of the day? Can you imagine?
Then came the day everything changed.
It may not have seemed like a big thing at first. Just one small act of disobedience. Eating something that God had told them not to eat. But, after, the familiar sound of God walking toward them no longer brought joy. It brought fear. Instead of running toward God, they ran away. Instead of seeking his presence, we have the first recorded “game” of hide-and-seek.
Yet one detail in the story is often overlooked. God didn’t let them get away with hiding.
God knew what had happened and where they were hiding. But God didn’t leave. He walked through the garden and called out, “Where are you?” It wasn’t the question of an uninformed God but the invitation of a loving God. God refused to leave them hidden in their fear, shame, and guilt.
I sometimes wonder how I would react if God knocked on my door one evening. Would I eagerly open it? Or would I suddenly become aware of everything I would rather keep hidden? Would I hide inside and hope he would move on?
The good news of Genesis 3 is that God does come looking for us. God pursues us when we’re afraid. He calls out to us even when shame tells us to stay hidden. And the amazing thing is that he doesn’t do this to condemn, but to restore.
“Where are you?” God asks. Not because he doesn’t know. But because he wants you to come out of hiding and walk with him in the cool of the evening.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for seeking me when I would rather hide. Give me the courage to step into your presence with honesty and trust. Help me remember that while you always come to me, I can also always run to you. Amen.
