July 30th, 2021 – Friday Afternoon
“The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them.” ~Genesis 3:21
This verse is short, but powerful; it is short in the number of words and the description of what happened, but it is profound in what it reveals. Why is it so profound?
Let’s pause and rethink what happened prior to this verse. Adam and Eve, created in the image of God as innocent and complementarian beings, were naked and unashamed (remember, they were truly innocent in every way) before they ate the forbidden fruit. They willingly chose to distrust and disobey the LORD when they did eat of the one tree they were commanded not to, and immediately were filled with shame over their once-innocent nakedness. Their solution to their sin and its immediate consequence was to sew fig leaves together for a covering and later to hide themselves from the presence of the LORD. Of course, you can’t hide from God; not only did He corner them and question them, but He pronounced the awful consequences of their sin upon them.
This is where it becomes profound. The LORD, after finishing the task of confrontation and pronouncing punishment, provides the immediate solution for the immediate consequences; He made Adam and Eve coverings of skin (as opposed to their fig leaves) to cover their nakedness. Where this skin came from is not of utmost importance, though it could indicate the first death (a consequence of sin) since something(s) most likely had to die in order to furnish the skins for the clothing. If that is the case, it could also be the first evidence of the need for a sacrifice to atone for (cover) sin. Regardless of where the skin came from, however, this verse is profound because it shows the LORD God’s incredible care for the needs of Adam and Eve. His provision for the covering of His rebellious “children’s” nakedness is a reminder that while He is just and righteous in every way, He is also merciful and compassionate.
How about you and I? Has your sin been covered and atoned for by the blood of Jesus? Notice that Adam and Eve’s attempts to cover their own nakedness were futile; in the same way, nothing you do can hide or delete your shame and nakedness. Yet, it has all been provided for in Christ. The lovingkindness and mercy of the LORD is for you and for me TODAY, not just for Adam and Eve back then.
My brothers and sisters, let us once again marvel at the LORD our God. His mercy is from everlasting to everlasting and His generous compassion endures forever! Let us praise Him and abide in the shadow of His wings through our Lord Jesus Christ.