Articles
Important Questions - 7
“Where are you?” (Genesis 3:9)
Adam and Eve, of course, “hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden” (Gen 3:8). Why? Because sin is a stupid thing that makes man do other stupid things. Did they think a few trees would hide their shame from the view of omniscient Creator? But they were desperate, as are we when exposure threatens.
That God asked this question at all is a remarkable testament to His grace and love. His question was not for information; it was a gentle outreach to those who had rejected Him for the empty promises of disobedience. Adam and Eve were not a special case: God searches for every one of His creatures who have left Him. He wants to welcome us back, restore us and replace our loneliness and hopelessness with fellowship and true purpose.
But first we have to answer. We have to say in all honesty: “This is where I am.” The lost son had to admit: “I’m in a pig sty eating slop” before he could say, “I will arise and go to my father, and will say … I have sinned … I am no longer worthy to be called your son” (Lk 15:17-19). We hide only from ourselves. God already knows where we are. Our first steps back to Him begin with admission of where we are. Where are you?
