Answering God's Call

Reflecting on His Questions in Eden

He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid”.

As we reflect on God's voice in the Garden of Eden, we uncover the profound significance of the four simple questions He asked Adam and Eve. Today, we meditate on these questions, recognising their importance in our spiritual journey.

The first question is, "Where are you?" God wanted Adam to provide an honest answer. God is asking us the same question today. Where are we? If we do not follow God's instructions, we may need to hide—our courage to stand before our great God diminishes. When we neglect the Word of God, we gradually stop praying, cease meditating on His Word, and ultimately sever our relationship with our Creator. If the Lord asks us this question today, can we confidently say, "We are here, Lord, in the place where You have positioned us"? Let us turn to God and make things right with Him if we cannot.

The second question God asked Adam is, "Who told you that you were naked?" Although God already knew the answer, He wanted Adam to acknowledge his actions. Adam's awareness of his nakedness came from listening to the wrong voice and disobeying God's command. Often, our sins are influenced by someone or something else—whether our conscience or the devil whispers through family, friends, neighbours, or others. If someone leads us astray through their words or actions, we must distance ourselves from them and sever ties if necessary.

The third question God asked Adam is, "Have you eaten from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?" God's instructions are always meant to shield us from harm and danger, whereas the devil's temptations aim to destroy us. Though the devil's words may seem comforting and attractive, they ultimately lead us to lose the blessings that God has planned for our lives.

The fourth question God asked Eve is, "What is this you have done?" (v.13). How would we respond if God asked us this same question, especially if we had led someone else into sin—whether it be our spouse, siblings, children, parents, or anyone else? Today, let us reflect our actions in light of Adam and Eve's experience in the Garden of Eden, their dialogue with the devil, and their subsequent fall. This self-examination is essential for our spiritual growth and recommitment to God's instructions.

Prayer: Father in heaven, help me to never listen to the cunning voice of the devil; instead, may I always be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit.