READING: Genesis 4-5, Matthew 2
I honestly had not thought much about this idea until I saw it raised in a study Bible note—but it has certainly made me think a bit.
Adam knew what Eden was like. He knew the days of God’s walking in the garden with the first couple. He knew God’s provisions. He knew life and purpose, God’s having given him the responsibility to multiply with Eve, steward the earth, and name the animals. But then he sinned.
For the 930 years he lived (Gen. 5:5), we can only wonder how often he thought about that choice. Just one decision. Only one bite from one tree. One act of rebellion, and everything changed. For Adam’s brief experience of eating from the tree, the repercussions were devastating. How many times might he have thought about that choice over the course of 900+ years? Even with God’s forgiveness, the anguish must still have been strong.
On the other hand, Genesis 5 also tells us about Enoch, who “walked with God 300 years” (Gen. 5:24). In fact, the Bible repeats the phrase, thus making sure we hear the words. Enoch so walked with God that God somehow took him away without death.
Make sinful choices that we regret, or choose to walk with God – those are our options. As genuine disciples of Jesus, let’s choose the latter.
Prayer: “God, help me to make righteous choices today. I want only to walk with You.”
Tomorrow’s reading: Genesis 6-8, Matthew 3-4:11
