What is this You Have Done? - Genesis 3:13

The following article originally appeared in the "Great Questions" column in this month's publication of CommonCall magazine.

 

Kids are full of surprises.  As a young parent, I’m learning to never underestimate what my two-year-old daughter can do when left to her own devices.  “Emily, what did you do?!” is a common exclamation heard in our house.  This phrase is often said in exasperation, more than from a desire for information.  Another similar, but slightly different phrase I sometimes find myself shouting is: “Emily, look what you did!”  This is the more direct route.  Instead of resigning to her bad behavior in frustration, I drop the implications of it in her lap full force with an accusing imperative.  In that moment, I want her to feel guilt over what she did.  I want her to feel bad because she has done something bad.

God asks a similar question to his first daughter following the bite she took from the sinful fruit of The Tree of Knowledge: “What is this you have done (Gen 3:13, NIV)?” 

His very own creation chose to deliberately disobey the only rule he gave them.  His point in asking about Eve’s action is obviously not a request for information, an emotional outburst, or an attempt to shame her.  Rather, it is part of a series of questions that God asks both her and her husband in Genesis 3 that seeks to lead them to an understanding of the full implications of their actions.

“Where are you?”  “Who told you that you were naked?”  “Have you eaten from the tree I commanded you not to eat from?”  “What is this you have done?”  The author of Genesis presents this series of questions from God in the same manner you might hear questions in a court session unfold.  The obvious conclusion is that both Adam and Eve are guilty and have devastating consequences to pay that will affect the rest of humanity and history.

But let us not miss one small detail in the midst of this bad news: God did not have to ask these questions!  His willingness to enter into our experience, step-by-step, questioning, prodding, and responding - contrasts sharply with our quick tempers and finite patience.

God will not recklessly drop consequences in your lap out of resignation or frustration.  Even when your actions are contrary to his wishes, God’s guidance and leadership can be found.  How might he be leading you in the midst of questionable actions or consequences today?