TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE

DEVOTIONAL

by Sandra Chua

The phone is ringing. You look at the caller ID, purse your lips, and sigh. You let it ring a few more times and hoped the caller would just hang up. The person beside you glares for you to answer the phone. You put your phone on silent mode, then turn it off. Who was it? Was it a person who has wronged him? Usually, it’s the other way around. Usually, it’s someone you owe something to, someone you expect a reprimand from, or someone you are accountable to. Perhaps it’s your mom, your spouse, your boss, or a creditor. 

Adam and Eve realized their sin, and instead of welcoming God into the garden, they promptly hid themselves, hoping to evade the consequences. They did something God expressly told them not to. Now, they are afraid to face Him. God knew what they did even before coming to the garden. He did not need to ask what happened. But in His loving mercy,  He came, gave them a chance to confess, and promptly pronounced punishment, which was necessary because of His perfect character. He didn’t leave them naked, though, but lovingly dressed them up, sacrificing animals for their clothing.

REFLECTION

What things am I hiding from God? What things will I miss when I hide from God? Would I sacrifice the enjoyment of walking in the garden with Him, or would I rather just hide in the bushes?

PRAYER

Thank You, Lord, for making a way for us to come to You even when we hide ourselves from You. Thank You for reaching out to us first because we, in our sin, cannot go to You on our own will. Help us confess our sins and thus always enjoy being with You. Help us choose to walk with You, to enjoy Your fellowship so that we may live life to the full, in Jesus’ name, amen.