Genesis 2:8-9

New Living Translation

Then the Lord God planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there he placed the man he had made. The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.

For Meditation

The instruction was simple: Bring nothing along but yourself and a submissive attitude. 

Generosity is the hallmark of the host, and everybody knows that. Out of His limitless resources and liberality, He has meticulously planned everything for the comfort of each of his guests. Yet Mark could not restrain himself from bringing along a few things. In his heart always, he had guarded this treasure with jealous fascination, and he did not intend to leave it behind. And so, he came, dragging along his treasure, not knowing its serious implication in his life in his new residence—but soon he did learn the hard way. His disobedience messed everything up for him. While others enjoyed their stay, simple things became a drag for Mark until frustration led him to the feet of the host in confession and repentance, courtesy of the compassion of the host. However, it was barely time to move on to the next place of residence. What a wasted life! 

This story reminds me of the Garden Residence of the first couple, Adam and Eve. In the beginning, before God created man in His image and likeness, He meticulously created everything to sustain human existence and for their enjoyment of life on earth (Gen. 1:1-31). God ensured that everything He created was very good (31). He put Adam in Eden, the beautiful garden, to tend and keep it (2:15). For companionship and help, God created Eve and united them for a cooperative work in the agenda of God (20-25). Adam and Eve had full right to enjoy every tree in the garden, but one tree—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (2:16-17). Even the tree of life was right there and open to them to enjoy (9) – but that did not attract them until the deceiver ruined it all for them (3:1-8). The disobedience of Adam and Eve became the source of the sin-burden of humanity—that nature that separated humans from God. 

God has meticulously planned everything for our enjoyment before bringing us into this new year, 2024. He has made available everything we need to live successful lives in Christ. Even for the challenges that may confront us, He has made provision for us to overcome them. 

His instruction for the year is simple: Bring nothing but yourself and a submissive attitude. The word to watch against this year is disobedience—that ruins every good thing God has planned for His children. 

May we learn to walk with Him in obedience through suffering, even to death, so that He may exalt us to the heights He has planned for each of us.

Shalom