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REFLECTIONS
God with us

Ti Eller

Genesis 3:7-11

So much happens at once in the Garden of Eden, it’s easy to read through the passage and miss the gentleness of God so evident there.

Adam and Eve had eaten of the forbidden fruit, and were hiding. God called to Adam “Where are you?” – as though He didn’t know. He then asked another, very compassionate question: “Who told you that you were naked?” (Genesis 3:11). It is a deep lament, essentially asking “Who birthed you into the knowledge of shame and self-consciousness?” It’s a lament from an all-knowing God who knew the implications of what had happened.

The setting for God asking these questions is our frailty (Genesis 3:7-8). As soon as the first humans ate the forbidden fruit and knew their own nakedness, God was present with them. They heard Him “walking in the garden in the cool of the day” – as though God just happened to be strolling by. Maybe He meant to come alongside His children without further terrifying them in their hiding.

It’s a compassionate moment, one that acknowledges the intimacy that had been lost. God wasn’t angry. He drew near to our frailty. He has compassion for our weakness. He always has and always will.

Reflections is a column of brief reflections on Scripture passages. This one is by Ti Eller from Toronto. Freelance submissions (200-250 words in length) are welcome.

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Last modified May 4, 2000.

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