Adam’s Regret

Poor Adam! The man who had everything the world could offer, dominion, happiness, power, intellect, and above all God himself visited the man once every day. However, what followed after was a tragic end to a divine story. What was Adam’s regret I wonder?

We all have made poor choices in life and have had to regret them as a result. It’s a sad feeling of disappointment that can last for several minutes, hours, days, months, or even for a lifetime. ‘I wish I had done things differently’, one might normally say, or ‘i wish I hadn’t gone that path’, another might say as the nagging feeling caused by regret continues to haunt them.

I have once been asked this question, ‘Who were the happiest couple in the bible? My gut feeling wanted to say Adam and Eve but the thought of their story silenced me. I was even more surprised to learn that Isaac and Rebecca had taken the honors. I would be lying if I tell you I know the criterion used to draw out that conclusion.

The story of Adam and Eve has a very important lesson for us today. What lesson is this you may wonder?

Gen 3:8-9

Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?”

One famous writer once said “God wants to treat you as if you were the only person on earth” What is your response to that? Mine was “wow! If that be the case I’ll be rich then. I’ll have everything I want.

This was the case with the Eden couple as is seen through the visitations that God made. But to Adam and Eve, it had not quite sunk in yet that God had his loving and caring eyes set on them. Like many of us, the realization comes late and there is no turning back.

Gen 3:10-13

 He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.” 11 And he said, “Who told you that you were naked?

The question God asked Adam reveals how their relationship was supposed to be mutual. ‘Who said you are naked?’ were the words used that suggest a case between two people. Even as God delivers the verdict he maintains the position that things should have been between Adam and himself. Adam sinned because he listened to someone else but God.

Gen 3:17

To Adam, he said, “Because you listened to your wife and ate from the tree about which I commanded you, ‘You must not eat of it,’ “Cursed is the ground because of you;

In life there are times where when we are making decisions it is okay to ask for other people’s opinions but there comes a time when none is needed and no compromises to be made. Even when it’s our dearest friends who suggest a different course of action no conciliation is to be made. ‘What the Lord has declared that I will do’ should be our reply.

Deut 5:32-33

So be careful to do what the Lord your God has commanded you; do not turn aside to the right or the left. 33 Walk in all the way that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess.

Many of us have disobeyed because of fear. The fear of being rejected or of losing loved ones may be overwhelming but blessed it is to be derided for the kingdom of God’s sake than to enjoy the temporal joys that the world gives. It is true Eve was beautiful in every way but losing her at that particular time would have been even more glorious.

Mark 3:33-35

 “Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. 34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! 35 Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother?”

When God returns to decide the fate of this world and its inhabitants each one would be answerable only to themselves. In the Garden of Eden God did not dare entertain the narrative of events that unfolded leading to the fall. His judgment was based on the fact that each one had been carefully instructed as to the course they should have followed. Adam had heard the plain words of truth and so did Eve. Playing the blame game was not going to account for their wrong actions.

This story challenged me and I think it will be likewise to you after reading this. May God help us to have the integrity and fidelity to withstand temptation as did our Saviour Jesus Christ and may the prayer of David be in our hearts every day of our lives.

Ps 119:9-11

How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word. 10 I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. 11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

God bless you and see you in the next lesson!

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