We continue a series of blog devotions based on the CRC Contemporary Testimony “Our World Belongs to God.”. These devotions incorporate both Christian and non-Christian student reflections on the statements. The series begins HERE if you wish to read them all.
Suggested Scripture Reading – Genesis 3
But the Lord God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” He said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself.” He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” Genesis 3:9-11
Our World Belongs to God – Article 13
In the beginning of human history,
our first parents walked with God.
But rather than living by the Creator’s word of life,
they listened to the serpent’s lie
and fell into sin.
In their rebellion
they tried to be like God.
As sinners, Adam and Eve feared
the nearness of God
and hid.
~~~
I recently had the chance to visit my parents and I was reminded of a particular way in which members of my family sit. When we’re relaxed, we’re inclined to sit with our bottoms on the edge of a chair, our legs stretched out with feet crossed, and often our hands folded over our bellies. I sometimes think of this position as the coffin position because it’s how they usually arrange a body in a coffin. Yet in our family we attempt this position as we sit in chairs. My dad does it, I have cousins that do it and I do it. It’s hard to say what part of this sitting position is a learned behaviour and what part of it might be genetics. Either way, it was passed on to me through my parents.
The thirteenth article of Our World Belongs to God makes a thoughtful choice of words. As it begins to discuss the topic of sin and how sin exists in the creation, the subject is made personal. By beginning with the imagery of parents walking with God, it emphasizes our connection to the entire history of our human family. So often when it comes to the problems of our world we like to point fingers at other nations, races, religions, etc. etc. But to understand the problem of evil or sin we must look at ourselves. N.T. Wright in his book “Simply Christian” says it so well:
“
The line between good and evil does not lie between ‘us’ and ‘them,’ between the West and the rest, between Left and Right, between rich and poor. That fateful line runs down the middle of each of us, every human society, every individual. This is not to say that all humans, and all societies, are equally good or bad; far from it. Merely that we are all infected and that all easy attempts to see the problem in terms of ‘us’ and ‘them’ are fatally flawed.”
The story of sin is OUR story.
When we read Genesis 3, we must hear an incredibly personal story about the way in which so many of us choose ourselves first. Genesis 3 is not just a story about the first sin, it’s a story about the way things go wrong. Our family history shows us a long and sordid tale of people who are constantly seeking ways in which we can be all-knowing. The problem of sin is a family story of learned and genetic behavior where we are always trying to live beyond our means. And in our contemporary society, we only need look at advertising slogans to see how we’re prone to lies of putting ME first – “Just Do It – Nike” “Because You’re Worth It – L’Oreal,” “I Want That – The Source,” “Have it Your Way – Burger King.”
The life aimed at serving the self is a lonely life, something that is emphasized in this article when it points out that as Adam and Eve chose themselves first they feared the nearness of God and hid. Life works best within the confines of a way where we as humans do not put ourselves first, where who we are exists to serve the creation as stewards of the garden, where we seek the good of our neighbor and ultimately where we acknowledge that only God can be all knowing. What lies might we be listening to these days? What does our chapter of the family story look like?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, have mercy on me, a sinner. Amen
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Every Tuesday at 5:30pm in the Oblate Lounge at St. Joseph Church (151 Laurier Ave. but use Cumberland entrance) we host a weekly meal provided by local church members. After supper students can stay for a time of learning and reflection. On a bi-weekly basis we invite professors and professionals to join us for supper and then share a bit about their work, their story and how faith impacts what they do and how they do it. While each speaker may have a different style or Christian background, for students it is an opportunity for questions and thoughtful engagement concerning the many fields of life. On the alternating weeks we either engage in a discussion led by our chaplain or have a hang out time.
As a verb it can mean to mix or steep something and as a noun it usually refers to a beverage. Every Tuesday evening at 8:30pm in the basement of the The Royal Oak on Laurier across from uOttawa campus. Brew is an invitation to brew over a brew. Every week we meet to read and discuss matters that matter: Culture, God, Science, Art, Business and Politics can all be engaged so that we might be stretched and challenged in different faith-filled ways. Each week we will look at five questions or thoughts and the discussion is open. Drop in and BREW with us. “Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God” 1 John 4:1
Every Wednesday at 10am, we host a time of prayer in the Multi-Faith room on the uOttawa campus (UCU 321 – beside Jazzy’s restaurant). The format usually consists of 2-3 songs and some form of meditative prayer practice. It’s a time of midweek “Sabbath.”
Drop by St. Joe’s Oblate Lounge on the first Friday of the month from 7:30-9am for some Free Pancakes and Coffee or Tea to get your day started right. First come, first serve.
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