Two had their eyes opened in a garden. Two had their eyes opened on a road. Once their eyes were opened, what each pair 'saw' differed greatly. Two were ashamed of themselves by what they saw. Two were elated by what they saw. Two saw because they disobeyed; two saw because of scripture. Two saw their sin; two saw the Lord.
The first pair were Adam and Eve, while in Eden (Genesis 3). The next pair were those walking to Emmaus. (Luke 24).
It is good that our eyes are opened in regard to right and wrong. There are two ways this can happen. Both ways are depicted in Adam & Eve and the two traveling to Emmaus.
Of Adam and Eve we read, "Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked..." (Genesis 3:7)
It is important that we recognize why Adam & Eve's eyes were opened. It happened because they disobeyed a command of God. Yes, when we disobey, our eyes are opened; but what we 'see' does not bring us 'joy' (as when we obey God). There is no cause for rejoicing...nothing but SHAME; FEAR...like as with Adam and Eve.
When we disobey, we also get 'knowledge'; but what we 'learn' does not cause us to rejoice; only to hang our head in shame. We aren't drawn near to God, instead, we attempt a futile thing - - - to HIDE from God. So did Adam: "...so I hid myself.” (Genesis 3:10)
God asked Adam, "Who told you that you were naked?" How did Adam "learn" of his nakedness? Who was to blame? Satan? NO, for Satan only spoke a lie, (thou shalt NOT...die), tempting Adam.
"...every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." (James 1:14-15)
Who allowed lust to conceive?
Adam blamed Eve...Eve blamed Satan...
Yet whose word was transgressed? Satan's? Whose word was perverted? Satan's? The answer is obvious.
"Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" (Romans 6:16)
"The soul that sinneth, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him." (Ezekiel 18:20)
Disobedience brings shame and fear into our lives; both of which will only be removed by turning to God in obedience. Another benefit of obedience is seen in that, when we obey what God tells us, there is no need for blaming; rather, giving of thanks.
When we disobey, we need NOT imitate Adam & Eve, blaming...but do as the Romans were told, and as the Romans DID:
"But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness." (Romans 6:17-18).
Let us obey God that we might experience the joy that the two on the day Jesus arose experienced. Their belief was rewarded and they shared the good news. That is what scripture does for a good and honest heart.
8/4/2020
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