Scripture reference Genesis chapter 3
In the Beginning, everything was perfect. God had created everything that was good and man was part of that Good.
God told mankind that they could eat of any tree in the garden, except for from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The subtle serpent came and tricked Eve into eating of that tree. Because of their disobedience to God’s word, mankind–Adam and Eve were banished from the garden. God put a flaming sword to guard another important tree in the garden called The Tree of Life. Other consequences of their sin included hard work and pain in childbirth. He made the serpent crawl upon the ground and predicted that though the serpent would bruise his heel, the seed of the woman would crush the serpent’s head.
Sin Separated Man From God
After a time it seemed as though God rejected humans, but we soon learned that was not the case. If you’ll notice it said that God put the sword to guard the tree so that they would not live forever in their sins. If you will notice, when God entered the garden, he sought out Adam and Eve. They were the ones who separated themselves from their creator.
Just we put covers over electrical outlets to protect our children from themselves, God didn’t keep them from the Tree of Life to punish them, he did it to protect them from themselves. He didn’t want them living forever in their sins so he kept them from that tree.
As I looked more closely at the symbolism offered in the sword, I realized that the sword with its blade and hilt has a shape similar to the cross. The Word is often called the “Sword of the Spirit” and In John chapter one, John refers to Jesus as “The Word”.
Jesus said, “No man comes to the Father but by me.” (John 14:6)
Sin cannot remain in the same space that God occupies nor can God be where sin remains. When we allow sin to enter our lives, it ruins our relationship with God. Rebellion can make it seem as though God is far from us, however, all we need to do to get back in right fellowship with God is to allow the Word of God, Jesus Christ to change us so that our sins are forgiven and we can walk in the newness of life that is in Him.
The Word says that in order to be eternally saved, we have to agree that we have sinned, and we must if we want to accept Christ’s work on the cross. He has not rejected you.
Sin Isn’t the Only Reason God Seems Distant
Sin makes it seem as though God is far from us, however, just because God seems far from us, does not necessarily always mean that God seems far away because we have sinned. He desires to have a relationship with you, but you must come through Jesus to get to God.. Throughout the next quarter, I will be discussing how other people in the Bible often felt that God was far from them.. By examining these lives, we will learn that there are numerous reasons that God seems to too far away to care about us. In the process, we will learn that God isn’t punishing us for the wrong we have done, instead, he is demonstrating his mercy and grace despite the situations in which we find ourselves in this fallen world.
Donna Brown is pastor at Faith in God Church 1 1/2 miles south of Brandsville, Missouri on Hwy 63. Sunday services are at 10 am and Wednesday night Bible Study at 6:30 pm. As Author Cygnet Brown, she has published a nonfiction book: Simply Vegetable Gardening: Simple Organic Gardening Tips for the Beginning Gardener
She is also the author of historical fiction series The Locket Saga. which includes When God Turned His Head and Soldiers Don’t Cry, the Locket Saga Continues, and, A Coward’s Solace, Book III of the Locket Saga. The next book Book IV of the Locket Saga: Sailing Under the Black Flag will be out in the near future.
.For more information about Cygnet Brown and her books, check out her website at http://www.cygnetbrow.com .
© 2016 by Donna Brown. All rights reserved.