Genesis 3 -4
These chapters explain why there is so much pain, suffering, heartache, and death in the world, sin toward God and sin toward others. None of us can escape the reality and presence of sin. Sin has woven its tentacles around each of us holding us in unrelenting bondage and leaving its ugly scars upon the human race.
As was mentioned yesterday, God made man with the unique ability to hear his words and respond. In these chapters there is recorded for us an amazing exchange between God and those he has made in his image. There are two questions which are asked that simply take your breath away.
The first is in Genesis 3:9 when the LORD God calls to man and says “Where are you?” Sin had broken the fellowship man enjoyed with his creator and rather than enjoying the presence of the LORD God man tried to escape. Here is Adam’s response.
“I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” Genesis 3:10
Man has been trying to hide ever since.
The next question is directed at Cain and is found in Genesis 4:9. “Where is Abel your brother?” Sin was now waging its war not only upon oneself, but upon others. This past Christmas season as our congregation was singing Christmas carols in worship there was one verse that startled me. We sang It Came upon the Midnight Clear and in the third verse of the original five there is this phrase “And man, at war with man, hears not.” This sad description has been going on since Genesis 4.
Today, the LORD God may be asking you the question “Where are you?” It is not because he does not know, but rather the question is intended for you to evaluate your heart condition in relation to Him.
Or He may be asking “Where is your brother?” challenging you to take an honest look at how you are treating others.
Today, do you love God and others or do you loathe God and others?