Genesis 3:6 NKJV “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.”
Adam and Eve lived the good life. Perhaps their days were spent carefree in each other’s company, frolicking with their animal friends, picking beautiful garden flowers, and enjoying an intimate relationship with God.
Yes, Adam and Eve had it all – All, that is, but for one small thing.
A special tree grew in the middle of their garden. It must have been an exquisite tree and certainly unique from all others because it was off-limits by God’s decree. They were not to eat from it. They were not touch it. And there were no exceptions!
Life was perfect for this first couple until the Evil One entered their paradise. This devious serpent played upon Eve’s desire to have what she could not. So as Satan planted a seed of doubt surrounding God’s deity, with one simple bite Adam and Eve’s garden-life ended and our world changed forever.
When Adam and Eve swallowed the forbidden fruit, a new and unwelcomed emotion swept over them. For the first time, they felt awkward and embarrassed before God, so they covered themselves in leaves and searched a hiding place.
We must not put this story to rest here, or we miss the best part. You see, although His beloved creation had sinned, God lovingly fashioned animal-skin tunics for Adam and Eve before they walked out of the garden forever.
Have you considered the magnitude of this simple act. Yes, there would be consequences for their sin, but God’s first move was an intensely personal one as He provided comfortable clothing for His beloved. It is of vital importance to notice God made their clothing from animal skins to cover the shame of their nakedness, a shame born from their sin. Yes, this shame-covering came at a price, for the animals had to die and shed their blood before Adam and Eve could be clothed.
We mustn’t be too critical of Adam and Eve, for we too have sinned in our own unique ways. From the very first sin in the garden to all the shameful sins we have yet to commit, blood sacrifice is a requirement. The unfathomable part of this story is although it was our sins that nailed the Son of God to the cross, God’s love for us remains steadfast.
Father God, help us realize the redemption from our sins has come at a great price. Thank you for the gift of Your Son’s blood.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane