The God Who Walked With Us
Scripture Reading — Genesis 3:1-10
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...
As a father of young children, I am often struck by the joy and wonder they show at the simple gift of their relationship with me. If I have to leave for a trip, they watch at the window to wave goodbye till I am out of sight. When I return, the house echoes with their delight that I’ve come home.
At one time, daily interaction between God and his human creatures was a similarly natural thing. We were able to walk with God and hear his voice and enjoy his company.
But sin changed all that. Instead of listening to God with childlike wonder, Adam and Eve chose to question God’s words and to doubt the sincerity of his relationship with them. They listened to the serpent, the devil, as he planted doubts in their minds. Then they disobeyed God, separating themselves from him. Now they could no longer simply enjoy the company of God. And out of fear and guilt, they hid from him, knowing they had done wrong.
In Jesus’ coming, however, our childlike relationship with God is restored (see Romans 8:15-17). In Christ we see God coming to walk alongside us again, and in the ascension we can see our heavenly fellowship restored anew.
Are you hiding from God in some way as he calls out to you today? Look to the ascended Jesus, and enjoy the delight of a restored relationship with him!
Almighty God, forgive us for questioning your love for us. Help us to hear you calling and to enjoy your presence as a gift. Heal and restore us, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Joel Vande Werken
Joel Vande Werken has been a pastor since 2007, serving churches in Sussex, New Jersey, and in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Brandie, have five young children.
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