Day 24: Redemptive Reconciliation

Key Scripture

We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.

2 Corinthians 5:20 (NIV)

Devotional

God created man’s body out of soil.  Then He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.[1] Out of his own will He created man and put His own breath into him that he may live.  This must never be taken for granted.

Many times we are proud of ourselves or what we have.  We forget that we belong to God our creator and that the breath of life we have is His.  Like ignorant children we crave for anything we want even when it’s harmful to our lives.  He had a wonderful plan for us.  This is something Satan never wanted.  That’s why he befriended Eve, strategically to deceive mankind and distort his relationship with God.[2]

Before Adam and Eve sinned, God had a close relationship with them.  He had wanted them close to himself.  He gave them a really wonderful place to live and a great garden to take care of.[3]  The placement of man into the Garden of Eden indicates the purpose for which He created man.   God wanted man to take care of His garden.  He put him in charge of His immeasurable wealth.  The only restricted resource was the tree that gives knowledge of good and evil.  He warned them because they could reach it.  It was God’s garden so it was already sustained.  Only the tree of knowledge of good and evil was restricted.  Man was not supposed to eat of it.   God had put him in a place where everything he needed was provided.  Craving for the forbidden fruit would have itself been evil.  Eating it was a disaster.

How did man eat the fruit?  Satan came along and deceived Eve, Adam’s wife.  He reached them through the snake and confused them.  The snake was already a comrade.  The snake and man had both been made from the dust of the earth.[4]  Yet only man was created in God’s image, had God’s breath and had been given the power to rule over all animals.  Adam and Eve forgot who they were and ended up taking wrong advice from one of the creatures under their rule.  They did not think of discussing the controversial message with God.  They already wanted to be like God, an attempt I would call treason.  Why treason?  They wanted to become like God which implies at some point they would have attempted to fight Him like Satan did.  Here we see a new rebel couple influenced by Satan.  Soon their freedom was gone, Adam and Eve were hiding from God.  Their sin became active as their relationship with God was severely broken.

The placement of man into the Garden of Eden was an appointment to serve.  Like Jesus Christ, he owned nothing yet he was very rich.  In God he had everything he wanted. 

When man disobeyed God, he lost his access into the holy place of serve, the Garden of Eden.  God sent him away from the garden and from His presence because of his disobedience. 

Sin is evil.  It separates us from God.  If you really want to walk closely with God, obey Him continually and separate yourself from all form of evil. 

Originally man’s relationship with God was unbroken.  He had no selfish interest.  He worked for God as unto himself.  Adam’s service was very pleasant to God and extremely satisfactory for him, Eve and their offspring.  

Questions for Reflection

1. Where in our lives might we have taken God’s breath of life in us for granted?
2. What are some of the things we crave yet they are harmful to us?
3. Satan used the snake to deceive Eve and Adam. Are there some instances in your life where opportunities have showed up, but you realize if continued they could lead you into danger?
4. How can we ensure an obedient walk with God?

Action Step

Find a safe place. Settle down for a minute. Thank God for His breath in you. Ask Him for wisdom to discern which choices are noble and deserve praise. Purpose to devote quality time for prayer daily, Studying God’s word and sharing insights from there with your fellow believers.

Prayer Prompt

Dear Lord, Thank you for your breath in me. Please give me wisdom to discern which choices are noble and deserve praise. Help me understand your word and find good friends to share it with. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

---

[1] Genesis 2:7

[2] Genesis 3:1-6  

[3] Genesis 2:15 

[4] Genesis 1:27, 2:19