Genesis 9:8-17— God calls Adam to account for his sin. Here we see the consequences of
the fall into sin. When God confronts Adam, he flees and hides because of his
fear of God. He realizes he is naked, which is considered and abomination. This
results in his sense of shame. When God asks for an explanation of his sin,
both Adam and Eve blame others. Punishment is the cursing of the serpent.
God asks Adam where he is. Of course God knows all but
he asks that he might bring Adam to an awareness of his sin. Where is Adam? He
is not where he should be. Because of his sin, he has run away to hide. Sin always
separates us from God. We hide because sin breeds fear of God. Note that God
comes to Adam after he sinned. God is concerned about the quality of our lives.
Sin disturbs and grieves God. Always God asks for an accounting. Each faces
Judgment.
Sin may be forgiven but punishment goes with sin. “The wages of sin is death. “ No one
escapes the penalty of doing wrong. God’s justice demands satisfaction.[2]
We need to recognize the reality and depth of human
resistance to God. That is seen in
killing Jesus. What we call “sin” is not
just the naughty things we do that make the tabloid headlines. Sin can be deadly and destructive. It has consequences. And it offends. There is a deep seriousness
to human wrong-doing – sin – that means that consequences cannot simply be
bypassed.
We can either turn away from them, or we can wrestle
with them. Here we see God’s refusal to be marginalized. The next time instead
of destroying the world through a flood He will turn His wrath on His own Son.
[1] Luther’s Seal copyright © Ed Riojas, Higher Things
[2] Lectionary Preaching Workbook Series B, John Brokhoff © 1981 CSS Publishing, Lima, OH
[3] Collect in times of affliction and distress, Lutheran Service Book © 2006 Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis
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