Pursuing Love

#1 · December 1, 2006, 11:53 am

Quote from Forum Archives on December 1, 2006, 11:53 am
Posted by: <@...>
And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was [without clothes]*; and I hid myself. Genesis 3:8-10 (KJV)

* changed to avoid being filtered

The serpent was cunning, and Eve was deceived. The fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil called to her like melted chocolate on a freshly-baked cupcake. But as the reality of life apart from perfect communion with God and with Adam was revealed in Eve, Adam probably watched the change in her eyes - at first mesmerized, then confused, anxious, pained, terrified, desperate. Adam had a choice to make. He could remain in unity with God and watch the serpent destroy Eve, or he could separate himself from the presence of God and go after his bride. Out of love for Eve, Adam ate the forbidden fruit.

Then God came calling, walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam knew fear for the first time. In the presence of his all-seeing, all-knowing Creator, Adam tried in vain to hide his flesh behind a tree. But because of His great love, God came looking for him.

In perfect "type and shadow" fashion, the New Testament gives a similar account. The serpent (Satan) was cunning and Jesus' beloved Bride (the Church) was separated from Him and His Father (God) through sin. He had a choice to make - remain in communion with God and let Satan destroy His Bride, or leave behind the presence of God to retrieve Her. And, just as with Adam, when you and I try to hide ourselves from Him, He comes looking for us. You see, the tree couldn't hide us, but the Tree (the cross) was used to redeem us. Out of love for His Bride, Jesus suffered the cross. Oh, how He loves you and me!

My Father, I'm so grateful for Your pursuing love. When I couldn't stretch far enough to reach You, You extended Yourself far enough to reach me. You loved me when I was a sinner; You washed me clean and made me Your child. Please help me to share Your love with others today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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Posted by: <@...>

And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden. And the LORD God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was [without clothes]*; and I hid myself. Genesis 3:8-10 (KJV)

* changed to avoid being filtered

The serpent was cunning, and Eve was deceived. The fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil called to her like melted chocolate on a freshly-baked cupcake. But as the reality of life apart from perfect communion with God and with Adam was revealed in Eve, Adam probably watched the change in her eyes - at first mesmerized, then confused, anxious, pained, terrified, desperate. Adam had a choice to make. He could remain in unity with God and watch the serpent destroy Eve, or he could separate himself from the presence of God and go after his bride. Out of love for Eve, Adam ate the forbidden fruit.

Then God came calling, walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam knew fear for the first time. In the presence of his all-seeing, all-knowing Creator, Adam tried in vain to hide his flesh behind a tree. But because of His great love, God came looking for him.

In perfect "type and shadow" fashion, the New Testament gives a similar account. The serpent (Satan) was cunning and Jesus' beloved Bride (the Church) was separated from Him and His Father (God) through sin. He had a choice to make - remain in communion with God and let Satan destroy His Bride, or leave behind the presence of God to retrieve Her. And, just as with Adam, when you and I try to hide ourselves from Him, He comes looking for us. You see, the tree couldn't hide us, but the Tree (the cross) was used to redeem us. Out of love for His Bride, Jesus suffered the cross. Oh, how He loves you and me!

My Father, I'm so grateful for Your pursuing love. When I couldn't stretch far enough to reach You, You extended Yourself far enough to reach me. You loved me when I was a sinner; You washed me clean and made me Your child. Please help me to share Your love with others today. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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