Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

Our Caring Provider
Read Genesis 2:4-25

And the LORD God commanded the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die." Genesis 2:16-17

The nest is a powerful symbol of parental devotion. Two birds would tirelessly gather twigs and leaves. Then they would painstakingly weave these into a secure basket for their offspring.

A similar imagery is presented in today’s passage. The world was empty, not inhabitable. So before forming man, God carefully built a lush garden. He put in trees. It could have been only one type of tree for food. But no, God took pains to indulge man with variety and some were just for pleasure. Then, there was that tree Adam must not eat from. The warning in verse 17 sounds like a mother’s admonition, “Do not touch the hot iron, else you will hurt yourself.” A restriction issued in love with Adam’s welfare at heart.

God was the parent to Adam. He made him. He gave him freedom to grow, to develop his intellectual capabilities. When Adam needed human companionship, God again provided and Adam was fully satisfied. It was never a 'Me God, you creature-man' relationship. God loved man. He was always giving to man. He never demanded, never expected anything in return except obedience.

How then do we respond to such love? Filial children would seek to bring joy to their parents. They would take great pains to protect their parents’ honour and uphold the family name. Above all else, they would strive for steadfast obedience for this would indeed give their parents the highest joy.

God has always been our caring Provider. How should we seek to be His filial children?

Look around at the trees and be reminded of God’s love. Worship Him for making the world such a beautiful place for us.