Question: The Specific Point at Issue

November 17, 2014

Question: The Specific Point at Issue

I have listened attentively,
but they do not say what is right.
None of them repent of their wickedness,
saying, “What have I done?”
Each pursues their own course . . . (Jeremiah 8:6 NIV)

Let me say up front this post is not about dredging up false guilt, but rather to bask in the grace-filled gift of repentance and forgiveness.

In the beginning, God created. In the beginning, Satan suggested doubt. In the beginning, people had choices.

Eve chose to believe a lie. Adam chose to eat the lie with Eve.

In the beginning, people began to blame. In the beginning, choices led to death.

After God found Adam and Eve, hiding, He asked some clarifying questions.

“Who told you you were naked? Did you eat from that tree I told you not to eat from?” (Genesis 3:11 The Message)

Listen closely. What emotion is in God’s voice? I used to think He was scolding them? But now, I hear a broken-hearted Father. What do you hear?

His next question is directed to Eve.

“What is this that you’ve done?” (Genesis 3:12 The Message)

Be careful or you may think there’s a tone of condemnation. But again, I sense a wounded, disappointed parent softly whispering these tender words: “What have you done?” “Do you have any idea the pain this choice is leading us to?”

Death marked life from that day forward. The next questions in Genesis arise around the relationship between two brothers. And the echoes of the fall inform God’s questions. But do not lose hope, the Father loves and the Father always creates good things, even in the midst of our brokenness.

Today, let’s ask God to examine our hearts. Think about this: Unconfessed sin wearies our souls. Confessed sin frees our souls.

What keeps me from confessing my faults to God?

Uncategorized

Posted by:

kelrohlf

2 responses to “Question: The Specific Point at Issue”

Jillie

November 18, 2014 at 7:21 am

I agree, Kel. The anguish that must have been in the Father’s heart that day. Adam & Eve had no idea as to what their choice entailed for all of humanity. I wonder if God might have thought, “There will be no children in the Garden, no children’s children in my perfect Garden that I created for them.”
I have people ask, “If God knows everything, than did He not know Adam & Eve would sin? Their sin couldn’t have surprised an all-knowing God, could it?” I’m never quite sure how to respond to that.
What keeps me from confessing my sin to God? Fear of rejection. Fear He’ll turn His face from me. Shame. I grew up in a home where ‘performance’ was everything. If I failed at something, did something against my Dad’s wishes, he would ignore me, not speak to me, berate me, punish me. I’m not saying I never deserved it, but it did give me a false view of The Father, and it sticks with me even now. I always feel I must ‘do penance’ before I can come before Him again. Like I have to get my act together before He’ll accept me again.

Reply
1. kelrohlf
  
  November 20, 2014 at 7:27 am
  
  Jillie- Thanks for sharing your heart here. I can imagine with you how God was so disappointed that his children were to leave the garden…the connection about fear of rejection and performance based shame hit home with me, too…hard messages to erase but I am learning to dwell more and more in God’s love and grace…He whispers to our hearts, ” I am pleased with you.” “I delight over you with singing.”
  
  Reply

I love a dialogue. Be the first to start a discussion! Cancel reply

About Me

Hi! My name is Kel Rohlf. I am an intuitive mixed-media artist, creative writer and performer. Life is a performance. I often attend.

souldare