Genesis 3:8-16
Reflect
There’s an old saying or joke that goes, “Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and the serpent was left without a leg to stand on!”
Shame and guilt had broken their relationship with God, and each other. In the merciful presence of God, they had an opportunity for personal confession to take responsibility for their actions (v9), but instead, they tried putting the blame on someone else.
Taking ownership for personal sin is difficult; it’s challenging to say, “I was wrong, I’m sorry, that’s my fault.” Our default reaction might look more like putting up a wall of pride as we defend ourselves, jumping quickly to making excuses, or carelessly blaming others. It’s easy to point fingers at your environment, family past and upbringing, others, genetics, and the list goes on.
Even though taking that posture might bring temporary relief, it will always come up empty. We will continue to default and respond by putting up walls, and our hearts will be left unchanged. But the Lord wants to meet us with mercy.
Apply
As you reflect on your life, what are some areas of sin that you are having a hard time taking ownership of? Release that to the Lord, and receive the mercy of God by praying, “Lord, I give this to you. Thank you for having mercy on me.”
Pastor Nathanael
Pray
- Pray for our childcare team, the children and their families this week. Pray for a new Director.
- Pray for our Audio/Visual Director, Grant Mix.
- Pray for our Lead Team Pastor, Terry Okken and his family.