As we learned last week, Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought contamination into God’s creation. It’s not something that we have to imagine; it’s something that we see and feel every day since we are a part of this story. When Adam and Eve sinned, it changed everything. It forced them (and us) onto a dead-end street and into a huge sinkhole.
And even though God makes a promise of hope that is to come, there are still judgments that befall the people. Pain, sweat, thorns, disordered desires, and ruined relationships – all of it is a result of sin, and all of it is judged by a just God. But once again, even as He banishes them from the Garden, we see God’s mercy as He provides clothes for the crown of His creation,
Yes, we try to amuse ourselves with the best the world has to offer, but we still recognize that we are living “East of Eden.” And “East of Eden” is not a pleasant place to live. It's a place filled with “thorns and thistles.” It’s a place where we work hard, but find the problems of life are still choking out our joy and satisfaction. And it’s a place that we know is not our home.
Why? Because we long to get back to the Garden! We long to go home to God. And as we will see this week, the only way we have access to the true tree of life and a restored Eden is through Jesus Christ. My hope is that you will see (and know) God’s love and grace this week, even in the midst of judgment.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
And even though God makes a promise of hope that is to come, there are still judgments that befall the people. Pain, sweat, thorns, disordered desires, and ruined relationships – all of it is a result of sin, and all of it is judged by a just God. But once again, even as He banishes them from the Garden, we see God’s mercy as He provides clothes for the crown of His creation,
Yes, we try to amuse ourselves with the best the world has to offer, but we still recognize that we are living “East of Eden.” And “East of Eden” is not a pleasant place to live. It's a place filled with “thorns and thistles.” It’s a place where we work hard, but find the problems of life are still choking out our joy and satisfaction. And it’s a place that we know is not our home.
Why? Because we long to get back to the Garden! We long to go home to God. And as we will see this week, the only way we have access to the true tree of life and a restored Eden is through Jesus Christ. My hope is that you will see (and know) God’s love and grace this week, even in the midst of judgment.
Grace & Peace,
Pastor Aaron
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