It All Started In Eden

When we begin to read God’s Word we do so from the place of the beginning. In the Book of Genesis is the narrative which provides us the history of the creation and habitation of this world. God created it and placed man in a special place known as the Garden of Eden.

The narrative does not provide specific time lines for us to know about how long they were in the garden. In the creation narrative, we read about their time in the garden. Exactly how long they were there is not known. We do know they lived off the land and as we read in Genesis 3:8-

And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

It seems to have been customary for God to come regularly and spend time with them in the garden setting to possibly talk about the day. Maybe what they had done or encountered that day which they had not previously. Although unknown it could have been to provide instruction as to how to handle a specific event. Possibly to answer questions they had regarding what they were experiencing. In any event, they were spending time with God in what appears to be a regular manner.

Certainly as the verse indicates they knew, because of the knowledge they now had, that they were naked. They felt the shame of their actions and were embarrassed before their God and creator. So they hid which, is so like what we attempt to do. Hide from the God who knows and sees all.

As I was thinking about and again reading regarding the beginning, the question came to mind as to how long were they in the garden? Could it have been for a long period of time? Well, I guess we have to determine what a long period of time would be.

Psalm 90:4 ESV says-

4 For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night.

So in the Lord’s time a thousand years is but a day. Now for us that is not the time line God has us on. Creation and time since its beginning are in twenty four hour segments. Each making a day with a sunrise and a sunset. This recent Easter Sunday I made the point that in the Lord’s time Jesus has only been gone for just over two days. Our time line and calendar say it has been over 2,000 years.

So, back to the how long were they in the garden. Probably not all that long. Certainly it may have been years but then how many? Only God knows, but we know from His Word that it was their disobedience to Him that led to their banishment from the garden. If we think about it, we know that even in our own lives, it does not take us very long to turn away and allow sin into our lives. Praise God that He has made a way through Christ Jesus His Son to redeem us from our sin.

We are saved by grace, that is God’s Riches At Christ Expense and assured that as 1 John 1:9 ESV says-

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Listen friend. This life is not for the faint of heart. It takes God, a Savior and His Holy Spirit to get us through each day. Trusting Him regardless of what we face. We prefer to not have to face anything uncomfortable but we are assured that He is there no matter what we might face.

In the words of Fannie Crosby in that great hymn of the faith-

To God be the glory, great things He hath done,

So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,

Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,

And opened the life gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord, praise the Lord…

I trust you have a great day in the Lord. That as you join with your church this Sunday you rejoice and are glad in the day the Lord has made.

In God’s Grace,

Elbert Nasworthy