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Five questions that God asked.
Five questions that God asked.
Genesis chapters 3 and 4 are custodian of the first questions God answered mankind. Follow me as I reflect on five questions God asked, and together let us ponder their relevance and application to our relationships with one another and God today. It might help to read Genesis chapters 3 and 4 before continuing this article.
1. Where are you? Genesis 3:9
Adam and Eve hid behind among the trees of the garden. They had heard the familiar sound of God approaching them but unlike all other times, they were not looking forward to meeting their creator this evening. Explaining away their disobedience seemed too tedious a task. Avoiding the discussion looked a much easier option.
How many of us have resorted to similar action as Adam and Eve? Rather than face the consequence of our actions we head for the nearest tree. This could be any place or attitude that helps us to avoid the real issue.
Avoiding the issue will never settle it. Things hid under the carpet have an annoying habit of revealing themselves when least expected.
Where are you? Come out and speak to me. God was saying - we need to talk.
Communication may sometimes feel painful but it is needful.
2. Who told you that you were naked? Genesis 3:11
Adam and Eve probably did not realise before this question why the reality of their nakedness had suddenly dawned heavily on them. God's question exposed them to the root of their problem.
We should never assume we know the reason for our problems. This is especially true in marriage relationships. A man comes home late and meets a furious wife. He assumes her annoyance is due to his late arrival. This slightly irritates him because he had no intention of being late in the first place. Circumstances were beyond his control. Tension rapidly rises in the home because both partners consider themselves to be in the right.
Ironically, his wife is not angry because he is late but because he did not phone to alert her. Her anger is further fuelled by his inability to appreciate her concern. If only he had not assumed he knew the reason for her anger, he would have been in a better position to explain his situation.
Never assume, always confirm and listen.
3. What is this you have done? Genesis 3:13
God did not ask Eve why she ate the fruit but what she had done. This was the first question posed to the woman.
Not all actions have a logical reason. How many men have found this a puzzle? Sometimes we human beings just do things. Sometimes we just don't feel like talking. There is no logical reason. However, the consequences of our actions should help us in restrain them. We cannot do all the things we feel like doing. If Eve had considered the consequences of her action she would have never done it.
Consider the implications of your actions in advance.
4. Why are you angry? Genesis 4:6
Cain was furious.
Abel, his younger brother had just received all the praise and adoration during the last sacrifice.
We all have emotions. But God has also given us a will. Your will is your brake. Cars have brakes. You activate them when you want to stop. God was telling Cain to press the brake but he refused to listen.
There is nothing wrong with having emotions. But our emotions were never meant to rule us. We all need to take a step back and judge ourselves.
A child is ruled by his or her emotions while a mature person (notice I did not say adult) is ruled by his or her will. You can bring your will in line with the will of God.
Only heaven knows how many relationships have been ruined because of a few minutes of uncontrolled emotions.
5. Where is Abel your brother? Genesis 4:9
When things go wrong there is only one way to put them right. Acknowledge and accept your fault. Confess your faults one to another.
Cain blatantly refused to do this. Notice the harsh judgment that fell on him. Never let pride ruin your relationship.
Most people will respond to an honest apology. Feeble excuses only make matters worse.
Own up to your mistakes. This does not mean you will not face the consequences but it can save the relationship.
Dele Oke - About the author