Holiness: God Sees & Acts, Pt. 6

Since the beginning of time, God has not ceased making a place for humanity. God's holiness is profound. Consider that even when Adam and Eve first sinned, turning their back on God's command, God in His love not only allowed them to live outside of the garden, but He clothed their nakedness and shame. They were embarrassed and trying to hide behind fig leaves, no less. But God, in His infinite holiness, while sending them out of the garden, still chose to sacrifice an animal so that they would be covered. So, God not only creates time, space, and matter, but He covers His creation, as well. What an incredible act of love towards us. In addition, in His love, He promises a way of return and restoration, though they did not ask.

Have you ever considered that? There is no record of Adam or Eve ever asking for forgiveness or restoration; they had become so caught up in their shame and passing the blame. Yet God gave them the space they wanted while promising a solution. Yes, it was a space outside of the garden. Remember, God sets boundaries, but they are boundaries with a promise that if we return to Him, He will dissolve what separates us and grant us access once again to His presence. When Christ died, the veil separating the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies was torn in two (Matt. 27:51). God has made a place for us.

What did Jesus tell His disciples He was going to do when He left them? "And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also" (John 14:3). Jesus is still doing the same thing He has been doing from the beginning – making a place for us. He even created a place for the devil and his demons (Matt. 25:41).

It's not that God cannot look up sin. Clearly, He must if He is a righteous judge. That's what judges do – look at the evidence. We see this countless times throughout Scripture, where God is looking down upon the earth and seeing the sin of people. Hebrews 4:13 reminds us that, "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." What has God seen?

God SAW God DID

Nakedness & shame Punished Adam, Eve, and the serpent, yet clothed.

Abel's murder Punished Cain, yet preserved his life.

Sin in Noah's Day Flooded the earth, yet built an ark.

Renée & You, too Sent Jesus and restored.

This is a continual process throughout Scripture; God seeing and responding to our sinfulness and providing for us despite it. Malachi 3:6 reminds us, "For I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob." God hasn't changed his mind; He has a place for you!

God's holiness pleads with us to be reconciled. Whether or not we take Him up on it is entirely up to us. The only alternative is to hide behind our fig leaves. The problem with that is that like other leaves separated from their tree, fig leaves will crumble and deteriorate, and we will once again be left naked and ashamed, faced with the choice of returning to God or sewing another fig leaf. It's a never-ending cycle until we hold out our hand to our Creator and allow the blood of Christ to be appropriated once and for all to the sin we cling to so desperately.

I want to encourage you today that if you haven't yet grasped the hand of God, you can do so now. Jesus is waiting for you.

"Come now, and let us reason together;" Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land; but if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword;" For the mouth of the LORD has spoken. Isaiah 1:18-20

Let's Pray:

Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I want to get off this roller-coaster of sin and shame. I'm tired of sewing fig leaves to excuse the inexcusable in my life. I want to be restored to my Heavenly Father. Please forgive me and make me new. Thank You that I can ask this with confidence knowing that You will answer my prayer because You have already prepared a place for me. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your sacrifice. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit so that I might know You as You truly are. Please teach me what it means to live a life of surrender to You and give me the assurance that I am now firmly held in Your holy hands. In Jesus' Name. Amen.