Eating From All the Other Trees
by Peter Brokaar
In the beginning the Lord created a garden, put Adam and Eve in it, and spoke what we’ve just read in our verse for today. The Garden of Eden, before the fall, must have been a stunning place! I can only imagine it would have been infinitely better than the best place on earth as we know it - and there are some truly amazing spots on this globe!
We learn that mankind transgressed the only commandment given to them. Adam broke covenant, commented Hosea (Hosea 6:7). Satan enticed them, and, in this, led Adam and Eve along a disastrous path, which ultimately caused them to doubt God’s integrity. Could they really trust God? Was God’s commandment truly good? Or was their Creator, in some way, untrustworthy?
We’ve probably already studied the history of the transgression of this commandment and its implications. It certainly is extremely important. But the question I want to look at today is: How much have we understood God’s intentions as described in verse 16? - ‘Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat’. Do we understand and trust that God is truly good, having created good things for us to enjoy, having our best interests at heart? Or do we mostly focus on the negative commandments: ‘Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle’?
Satan is always out to lead us into mistrusting our heavenly Father. Has he been able to somehow convince us, or sow some form of doubt, trying to make us see God, not as someone Who has provided many good things for us to enjoy, but as some mean person Who just wants us to not do certain things?
Since the beginning God created an incredible world, filled to the brim with things mankind is free to enjoy. We can enjoy scenery, hobbies, sports, science, company, work, worship, relationships, and nature. But do we? Do we revel in what He’s given us? Or are we held back by feelings of guilt, doubt or religiosity - indeed any form of mistrust?
I can’t help but think that, if God’s people would fully embrace and enjoy the good things He’s given this world, (in a righteous and God-honouring way of course), we’d become the most attractive bunch of people on earth. We’d be attractive to unbelievers, who’re engrossed in sin and filth. Wouldn’t this be a great way of glorifying our heavenly Father?
Prayer: Father, thank You for all the lovely things You’ve made. Please help me to enjoy Your world in a right way, so You may be glorified. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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