PLAYING GOD

Genesis 3:1-4:26; Matthew 2:13-3:6; Psalm 2:1-12; Proverbs 1:7-9

“Their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame.… The Lord God called to Adam, ‘Where are you?’. …And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife.”

“’Get up and flee…,’ the angel said…. That night, Joseph left for Egypt.”

Ever notice that Adam’s and Eve’s very first response to gaining knowledge of good and evil was shame?  It’s no surprise to me.  Original sin, the effort to “become just like God” (Genesis 3:5), is the foundation of most – O.K., all - my sins, and the results are predictable.  Putting my plans and desires first, I mess up and am ashamed.  Then, I hear God calling out, “Tom, where are you?” It isn’t that He doesn’t know; it’s that he wants me to understand.  We all are lost when we try to play God.  At least, I am not equipped to do it.  But God’s grace restores confidence.  After all, His clothes (the first animal sacrifice) covered even Adam’s nakedness.

Still, up-front obedience is always the best choice.  God’s message to Joseph was just, “Go!”  So, in the middle of the night, he took his whole family to Egypt.  No debate; no rationalizations; no “yeah, buts.”  God spoke; Joseph went; and the world ultimately was redeemed as a result.  Joseph never asked “why” or “what.”  He knew God is in control.  He knew God provides.  So, he just followed.

No wonder the Psalmist asks, “Why do the nations rage? Why do the people waste their time with futile plans?” (Psalm 2:1).  I am beginning to understand that God wants my focus on Him, not on any “to-do” list or details.  Security rests in Him, and Him alone.