Nougat 18

Some decades ago, Foreigner hit the charts with the song ‘I Want to Know What Love Is’. The chorus, expands on the title to ask the subject of the ballad to demonstrate what love is. In several circles, this has become an anthem for lovers. And while my perspective has shifted somewhat, I invite us to consider the invitation as we reflect on today’s Holy Nougat

“When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees.” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Unfortunately, so many of us have not registered the depth of God’s love for us. Yes, we sing/say all the right words, but we’ve allowed human distortion to overshadow all God has done, does and continues to do in demonstrating what True Love looks like.

On the surface, our nougat doesn’t seem to have anything to do with Love. In fact, we could even say it’s more like divine ‘Hide and Seek’. At this juncture in the narrative God’s two shades short of saying ‘Come out! Come out! Wherever you are.’ But we all know there’s more to this story. (And for those who don’t know, quickly read the entire chapter and get caught up. Actually no, I’ll do it – it’s a favorite of mine.)

So having literally created a perfect world for humanity, God directed the prototypes on the dos and don’ts of Eden. However, along with everything else they did, they permitted indiscipline (ie disobedience and sin) to infiltrate their perfect space. It was devastating when awareness hit. Because awareness, to some extent, was accompanied by guilt and shame.

But that’s their side of the story.

For God loves all creation. But God’s love for humanity is unparalleled. Knowing the consequences of full awareness of good and evil would more often result in evil choices, God placed a veto around the tree. And like any parent who’s attuned to their children, God knew that it was only a matter of time before human nature overrode godly obedience. God being God knew that even more than any parent. So God had Plan C (aka Plan J, Plan JC, Plan M or Plan S, or Operation Redemption), which was effected centuries later; but was literally in place from the beginning of time.

While Plan C awaited the right ‘when’, God met with humanity, God’s prized creation, daily to cement the relationship and keep the lines of communication open. The routine had been established and all was well, then the When came. Human nature overrode godly obedience.

God’s response is pure love. For, if we accept that God’s sees and knows all things, then we ought to recognize that the moment any of us sins, God’s already aware. Knowing that we sinned is not proof of God’s love however; it’s what God did while knowing. God maintained the routine, God chose to meet them in the cool of the day.

And how is this love you ask. Genesis 2 notes that the reward for disobedience was death (see chapters 2:15-6;3:3-4). In overriding immediate physical death and going to meet them, God offered scope for repentance, redemption and restoration of the broken relationship. Just by choosing to meet with them. Yes, there were real-time consequences for sin – like losing out on Eden and sweat of the brow work – but just remember, as God did with the prototypes Adam and Eve, so does God do for us.

God’s passing by our way; inviting us to strengthen our relationship and keep the lines of communication open, so that when we sin, we can recognize the grace offered to us. How will we respond?

Still want to know what Love is? Allow God to show us.

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May all we seek be found in Christ