Selie Visa
Scripture Reading: Genesis 3:9
1. Our problems of life:
The problems and trials of life in this world are endless. We face problems of wars and conflict, floods and earthquakes, poverty and hunger. We also have many personal problems like finances, health, relationships between spouses, relationships between parents and children, and so on. Finally, we have the problem of sickness and inevitable death. But our greatest problem is sin.
2. The original and personal sin:
From the beginning, we have a sinful nature. Adam and Eve disobeyed God's commandment and sin entered mankind. The good relationship between man and God was broken. Adam is the natural head of the human race and his sin has passed to the entire human race. This is the original sin. Furthermore we are guilty because of our own sins. The Holy Spirit inclines us to do what is good, but our sinful nature draws us away in the direction of sin. This is the personal sin.
3. The result of sin is death:
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).
Physical death is unavoidable. Man or woman, rich or poor, young or old, death will come to all at any time, any moment. There is no rule which says the old ones will die first. From dust, we were formed, and to dust, we return. But there is a greater death than physical death, spiritual death. This is the worst death because it is eternal separation from God.
4. The way out of sin and death:
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16).
Only Jesus can save us from sin, condemnation, and death. Only in him can we find eternal life. God's love for mankind offers only two options: to believe or to perish. Eternal life is a gift of God accepted by believing in Jesus. To perish does not mean to cease to exist or total annihilation. It means eternal torment in the fiery pit of fire.
5. Where are you?
Genesis 3:9 But the LORD God called to the man, "Where are you?"
The question, "Where are you?" is called the Greatest Love Question of the Bible. After their disobedience, instead of welcoming divine fellowship, Adam and Eve hid from the Lord. They were hiding not merely because of their nakedness but more out of a sense of guilt of sin. Their previous God-consciousness was replaced by self-consciousness.
Can anyone hide from the Lord? Didn’t God know where they were hiding? Of course, he knew. God is omnipresent. God is omniscient. But the voice of Elohim, "Where are you?" solicited more than their physical presence. His question was more of a cry of anguish over the man who he loved above all else but couldn’t keep his command.
This question is the call of divine justice, which cannot overlook sin. This question is the call of divine sorrow, which grieves over the sinner.
6. The question is still echoing:
The question "Where are you?" of the call of divine love, which offers redemption for sin, is still echoing. W.H. Griffith Thomas said, This question still sounds in the ear of every sinner. To each and every one of us, the call is reiterated, "Where are you?"
God is not seeking an excuse to condemn human beings but is rather endeavouring to save them. Examine yourself and ask where you are in your relationship with the Good Shepherd who laid down his life for you. Invite him, not as a guest but as the Lord and the Master of your life.
