Genesis 3 – We are Clothed in His Mercy
A few months ago I completed a study called “God of Creation” by Jen Wilkin. The study focused on Genesis chapters 1-11, and out of the many truths that I learned, there was one that specifically stuck out me. Keep reading to find out what the Lord taught me through verse 21 of chapter 3!!
In chapter 3 the serpent challenges the woman with the question “Did God really say you must not eat the fruit from any of the trees in the garden?” Through this question the serpent is testing the credibility of God and causes the woman to second guess God’s directions. Then, the serpent tells the woman that God is withholding the fruit from them because it will make them more like God. He uses this tactic to draw the woman even further away from God. Immediately after the fruit is eaten Adam and Eve feel shame from their nakedness.
Their first response – cover themselves. In verse 7, they sew fig leaves together and try to cover their nakedness. They react this way because they feel vulnerable. How often do we attempt to cover up our sins because we are afraid of what others and what God may think?
Their second response – run. In verse 8 they hear the Lord walking about in the garden and they hide from Him. (Side note: How cool is it that Adam and Eve were once walking along side the Lord?!! He was literally walking around in the garden looking for them so that He could meet with them.) They react this way because they are shameful. How often do we try to run from God out of shame from our sin? We run and run but sin always seems to come back because we don’t deal with it properly. To properly deal with sin we must repent.
John Piper writes:
“Repenting means experiencing a change of mind that now sees God as true and beautiful and worthy of all our praise and all our obedience.”
Charles Spurgeon writes:
“Repentance is a discovery of the evil of sin, mourning that we have committed it, and a resolution to forsake it. It is, in fact, a change of mind of a very deep and practical character, which makes man love what he once hated, and hate what once he loved.”
The third response – put the blame on others. In verse 12 Adam puts the blame on the woman, and in verse 13 the woman puts the blame on the serpent. They react this way because they are fearful of God’s response. How often do we blame others, our past, or our circumstances because we are fearful of how God might respond to our sin?
After the consequences of sin have been given out, God responds to Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:21 “And the Lord God made for Adam and his wife garments of skins and clothed them.” The Lord clothes Adam and Eve with garments of skin. The skin garments show that an innocent animal was sacrificed in order for Adam and Eve to be covered from their shame. God made the first sacrifice through an innocent animal and He made the last sacrifice through the innocent Son of God.
God will not forsake His children.
He will provide for us, even after we have sinned against Him.
We are clothed in His mercy.
This passage of scripture, specifically verse 21, shows me that God is just, loving, and compassionate. God is fair is all His actions and judgements, and He punishes accordingly. God displays unconditional affection towards His children, and His love for them doesn’t depend on their worth, response, or merit. God cares for His children and acts on their behalves.
Take those last two sentences and read them with view of yourself:
God displays unconditional affection towards ME, and His love for ME doesn’t depend on MY worth, response, or merit. God cares for ME and acts on MY behalf.
Find comfort in those truths and rest in the fact that God’s love and affection does not depend on what you do. He will love you the same when you are deeply devoted and when you keep your distance from Him. He is there and He is ready to welcome you with open arms!!
With love,
Jaci
