Then the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” Genesis 3:9, NASB

God had spoken about the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, warning Adam not to eat of it. God knew how vulnerable Adam and Eve were, but there is no indication of direct participation from Him during their temptation. But they had His word to guide them. It reminds me of when we used to tell our young children, “Obedience protects you when mom or dad are not near.” This certainly seems to apply here.

After they disobeyed, listening to a voice other than God’s and eating fruit from the forbidden tree, they knew they had sinned and they fled from God’s presence. But God went looking for them. When He found them, He seems to “play dumb,” asking, “Where are you?” I find these three words spoken by God immediately after the fall to be a powerful picture of who He really is. When they sinned, it wasn’t God who turned away from them, but they from Him!

This ancient question of God’s still applies today. Where am I?

Am I complaining about my circumstances, or am I able to “rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks?” Am I self-absorbed, or am I abiding in Christ? Am I allowing my mind to wander, or am I taking every thought captive? Most importantly, when I sin, do I separate myself from God in my shame or do I run to Him as the Good Shepherd who alone can rescue me?

Lord Jesus, when I was lost, You found me. Even now if I wander, You search for me. And when I sin, as the crucified yet risen and now reigning Savior, You advocate for me! Oh Jesus, how amazing You are!

Copyright Jere Vandewalle.

Jere is the Director of Operations for Christian Educators.