Genesis 3:1-24 continuing…

“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” Genesis 3:8.

Adam and Eve had just eaten what God had commanded them not to eat. They now have had their first experience with sin, and it will not be their last. They have met their sin master. Previous to this they have had sweet communion with the LORD God. Walks in the garden. Peace in the garden. Comfort in the garden. Now, there is fear, especially when they hear, ‘…The voice of the LORD God walking in the garden…’. Rather than going to Him as they most likely did previously, they now hide.

Who is this “Voice… walking in the garden”? It must be none other than the preincarnate Son of God; ie. Jesus the Christ. They know they have sinned. They also know the LORD God will not be pleased. They also know that they have shattered His glory in their lives. They even know the fig leaf coverings they have made are insufficient to approach holy God. So, they hide.

The initial response of a child who has disobeyed a parent and knows Mom and Dad will be angry with them is to hide. How tragic that is. Most parents would be understanding, forgiving, and the discipline would probably be less severe if the child would come running to the parent or parents saying I have disobeyed, please forgive me.

Oh, how tragic the events in the garden were on that eventful day. To hide from the ‘…Presence of the LORD God…’ is one of the saddest statements in the Bible. Can we not see that sin drives us from God and godliness. Sin causes us shame, guilt, despair, and ruin. Oh, that the sinning man, woman, boy or girl would not flee and hide from God, but, rather flee toward Him, because the Father has made a way through the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather than fleeing from God and hiding from Him; Make a bee line and FLEE TO THE CROSS.