Man is part of God’s plan: God calls his creation – 3 May 2022

God can fulfil his purpose by merely saying a word or by using heavenly beings. But He chooses to engage humanity as co-workers. Sometimes He does it graphically and other times without people being aware of it.

In this series of Verse-a-day, we will explore how God engaged with man since creation, after the Fall, during Jesus’ life on earth, and even now. Because man is part of God’s plan! Indeed, not in ways familiar to us, but on the creative, godly initiative that shines the spotlight on his involvement.

After planting the Garden of Eden in the east, God appointed Adam to care and protect his creation. Alone. Without help. Not an easy task for any human. But the omniscient God with him, is never caught by surprise. While Adam enjoyed a God-given, deep nap, God took a rib from Adam’s side (fortunately, He filled it up with flesh again) and created an equal and help for him. A helpmate – his wife. He brings her to Adam and gives her to him. And lo and behold, a couple who stood naked and unashamed before God and one another, to live together in a God-ordained relationship. God is truly with man! (Genesis 1-2)

But then the fall of man happened, and they had to cover up. They hid themselves; their nakedness visible to God and themselves. Self-made fig-tree aprons and hiding, had no use, because “The Lord God called unto Adam and said unto him, “Where art thou?” (Genesis 3:9) Then God made coats of skins, clothed them, and drove them out “to till the ground from whence he was taken.” (Genesis 3:23) To protect man from himself, God ensures that nobody will ever eat from the tree of life again. At the east end of the garden of Eden, God placed Cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.

Why east? In Scripture, it is a direction that is associated with turning away or a departure from God.

Sometimes, we also stand naked and stripped of our dignity and self-image – our masks of pretence flapping tattered and crumpled from our ears. Life happens and we have our backs against the wall. Who is to blame? Usually not the individual, but someone else. Really? It is in times like these that man blames God and tries to hide. And then this comes to mind: “Whither shall I go from thy spirit? Or whither shall I flee from thy presence? (Psalm 139:7,10)

Prayer: My Creator, thank you for the unwavering certainty that you always ARE! Even if I hide, you seek and find me. And if I call, you hear, and step closer to take my hand. Give me the power never to turn away from you knowingly. Amen