"The the LORD God called Adam and said to him, 'Where are you?'" (Genesis 3:9 NKJV).
God did not ask this question because he did not know where Adam was. God knew where Adam was and knew that Adam and Eve had disobeyed him by eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. He knew their fallen condition.
God asked this question to help Adam and Eve see for themselves their true condition. God asked this question to help the fallen pair see that there was nothing they could do for themselves to repair the damage they had caused. No amount of sowing fig leaves together or hiding in the bushes, or finger pointing could atone for their horrible and willful mistake.
In this passage we see the Love of God manifested toward us. It is God who takes the initiative to bring man back to Himself. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8 NKJV). His question "Where are you?" is a call to repent.
God is asking us the same question today, "Where are you?" Where are you in your relation to God? Is there a cherished sin that is separating you from Him? (See Isaiah 59:1, 2) "Where are you?" Do you truly understand your desperate need? Do you understand that you, in the eyes of God, are "...wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked" (Revelation 3:17b)?
There is nothing we can do to remedy our spiritual situation. The only solution if found in Jesus Christ and the gift of His life, His righteousness, and the cleansing of His blood.
God asks, "Where are you?"
How will you respond?
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