Breath of God in Earthen Vessels

Then the LORD God formed man
of dust from the ground,
and breathed into his nostrils
the breath of life;
and man became a living being.  
      - Genesis 2: 7

“We are machines built by DNA
whose purpose is to make
more copies of the same.”
  — Richard Dawkins, River Out of Eden

Can you imagine the scene?  There it was, the handsome but lifeless body that would soon become the first human being.  This lifeless creation from the dust of the Earth became Adam, a living person as God breathed life into his nostrils.

As we ponder the creation of the first human as described in Genesis 2 of the Bible, several questions come to mind.  What is it that made Adam and his descendants unique among all living creatures?   In particular, how have humans been equipped to personally know God and choose whether or not to worship and serve Him?  Are our bodies composed of different chemical elements or different molecules from other creatures?  Do we possess a unique anatomy and physiology?  Or, are humans unique because of the “breath of God” that our father Adam received and that we have inherited?

Are Humans Chemically Unique?
According to the Bible, prior to the creation of Adam, and before there was anything, …God created the heavens and the Earth out of nothing (ex nihilo) (Genesis 1: 1)!  Then, He used the material elements of the Earth to “bring forth” each genetic kind of animal and plant including the lifeless form of what would become Adam.  Therefore, it was no surprise when chemistry revealed that all 19 essential chemical elements that compose the human body are found in the natural world and in most animal species.  Four elements, Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), and Nitrogen (N) compose 99% of human cytoplasm.  

If humans are not unique because of the chemical elements they contain, what then?  Could it be that the 19 elements in humans are combined to make unique molecules?  Here, we must recognize how the biblical view of the origin of life contrasts with the evolutionary biology view represented in the quote from Richard Dawkins above.  According to naturalistic evolution, life is not the result of the intelligent, purposeful, creative, and sustaining power of God.  Rather, we owe our existence to the special “creative ability” of atoms and molecules acting according to physical and chemical laws. However, to date, no one has observed the spontaneous generation of life from inanimate matter.

A humorous argument in support of supernatural creation goes something like this:

Scientist: “God, we no longer need you.  We can create a human just like You did.”

God: “Maybe you can.  Let Me see you do it.”

Scientist: “Okay.” 
[Then, the scientist bends down to scoop up a handful of dirt.]

God:  "Just a minute.  That's my dirt.  Go make your own dirt." 

Modern science has been unable to create even one living cell or organ.  Still, science textbooks and journal articles deny God’s “intelligent design” while attributing a “creative intelligence” to molecules like DNA!  But any science that excludes God, must “go make its own DNA.”  And, so far, science has come up short.

“Breath of Life”
If we are honest, we should admit that a supernatural intervention was necessary to infuse life into a lifeless form.  All necessary organs and molecules were present, but the lifeless form was not yet a man, not a functioning human being, not a person.  It was not until God breathed into his nostrils the breath of life [that the] man became a living being (Genesis 2: 7).  So far, no scientist has been able to isolate or define “the breath of life” given by God.  Nor can science even restore the “breath of life” to a person once they are fully deceased.

The “breath of life” is not unique to humankind.  In Genesis 1: 30, we read that …to every beast of the earth and to every bird of the sky and to everything that moves on the Earth which has the breath of life in it, I have given every green plant for food”; and it was so.  Centuries later, the Apostle Paul reasoned with the Greek philosophers on the subject of the origin of things, and said, The God who made the world and all things in it… He Himself gives to all people life and breath and all things; (Acts 17: 25).

Some Hebrew scholars [See HERE.] interpret the Hebrew word ruach to apply more broadly to mean the “breath of life” in non-human animals (cf. Genesis 7: 15).  But note that ruach is also translated “Spirit of God” as in Genesis 1: 2.  Although not without exception, the Hebrew word neshamah is used more frequently to mean the “divine breath” that God breathed into the nostrils of the first human form to bring Adam to life (cf. Genesis 2: 7; Job 33: 4). 

“This divine breath is not merely a physical phenomenon but also carries spiritual significance, particularly in the context of human life, which is seen as possessing both physical and spiritual dimensions” (The Hub Study Bible, HERE).  Pastor Douglas Hamp adds, “This breath of God animated Adam’s body in a manner similar to the animals in that they also have breath (neshamah) in their nostrils.  But it was also so much more, for we know that God did not breathe directly into the animals. Thus, the breath that God breathed into Adam must have been so much more than the mere animation of the body (spark of life).  It was also the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.” [See HERE.]

In summary, all humans and air-breathing animals have many chemical and anatomical traits in common as endowed by their Creator.  In addition, they all possess the “breath of life.”  However, Adam was uniquely formed by God in that he received the “breath of life” into his nostrils directly from God’s divine breath (Heb. neshamah; Greek, pneuma, breath, wind, spirit).  Upon being enlivened by God’s divine breath (Spirit), Adam became a complete person in the image of God and was indwelt by the Spirit of God (Genesis 1: 26-27).

Unlike Adam who was created from the dust of the ground, Eve was created from the living flesh of Adam’s side (Genesis 2: 21-22) to be “a helpmate suitable for him” (v. 20).   Adam and Eve lived for a time in perfect spiritual communion with God (Genesis 3: 8-9).  God gave them the free will to choose to love and serve Him as stewards of the Garden of Eden.  We can only try to imagine the inexpressible love and joy that was shared between God and His image bearing creatures as they “walked in the Garden in the cool of the day (Genesis 3: 8).

The Curse of Sin
But when Adam and Eve chose to disobey God’s command not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, the Spirit of God within them departed and their close communion with God ended (Genesis 3).  Because of their act of disobedience to God, …sin entered the world through one man, and death [both physical death and spiritual separation from God] through sin, so also death was passed on to all men, because all sinned (Romans 5: 12).  From Genesis onward, the Old Testament reveals that the Spirit was upon only certain individuals including Joseph (Genesis 41: 38), gifted craftsmen of the tabernacle (Exodus 28: 3), Moses (Numbers 11: 25),  Joshua (Num 27:18), Gideon (Judges 6: 34), Samson (Judges 14: 6), Saul (1 Samuel 10: 10), David (1 Samuel 16: 13), Isaiah (Isaiah 59: 21), Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2: 2), Daniel (Daniel 4: 8), and Micah (Micah 3: 8).

The Old Testament is a record of God’s plan to restore His fallen and broken image-bearers from the curse of sin that separated them from His love and communion.  At the same time, it is a record of God at work to teach mankind His expectations (moral and ceremonial laws) for anyone who wishes to come into His holy presence (cf. Exodus 20; Psalm 15).  The Apostle Paul summarized the essence of the Gospel of Christ as follows:  For since death came through a man [Adam], the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man [Jesus Christ].  For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive.  God had breathed the life of His Spirit into formless clay that became the “first Adam.” In order to reconcile fallen Adam, God will breathe His Spirit once again into all who believe in Christ who died and rose victorious over sin and death.

God Breathed Again
On the Sunday evening after the discovery of the empty tomb that morning, Jesus appeared to His disciples.  They were together in a room with the doors closed for fear of the Jews.  Jesus greeted them with, “Peace be with you,” and showed them his nail-pierced hands and side.  After comforting them, Jesus ...breathed on them, and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit (John 20: 19-22).  According to Douglas Hamp, the Greek word for “breathed on” or “inbreathed” is enephusesen.  The exact same word is used in Genesis 2: 7 of the Greek Septuagint to translate the Hebrew word for “breathed:” vayipakh.  The significance of this second inbreathing by the Lord Jesus is worth noting.

According to the Bible Hub Study Bible, “The act of breathing on the disciples is symbolic and reminiscent of God breathing life into Adam in Genesis 2:7.  This signifies a new creation where the disciples are being spiritually renewed and empowered for their mission.  The breath of Jesus here is a precursor to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, as described in Acts 2.  It also connects to Ezekiel 37:9-10, where the breath brings life to dry bones, symbolizing spiritual revival.”  This biblical concept is affirmed in the ancient wisdom book of Job when his friend, Elihu, testifies (emphasis added): 
The Spirit (Heb. ruach) of God has made me,
And the breath (Heb. (neshamah) of the Almighty gives me life.  – Job 33: 4

The Bible Hub Study Bible addresses the greater theological implications of pneuma (breath, wind, spirit): “Breath, as depicted in the Bible, is not merely a physical necessity but a profound theological symbol.  It represents the life-giving and sustaining power of God, the intimate relationship between the Creator and His creation, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. The act of breathing, therefore, serves as a constant reminder of humanity's dependence on God for both physical and spiritual life.”

Three Dimensions: Spirit, Soul, Body
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).  This powerful prayer of the Apostle Paul has been the subject of much discussion among theologians.  Does the apostle mean that “spirit and soul and body” exist as separate dimensions of our being, or in one integrated whole?  Bishop Ellicott writes, “This is St. Paul’s fullest and most scientific psychology, not merely a rhetorical piling up of words without any particular meaning being assigned to them. (Ellicott Commentary, HERE.)  The commentator then expounds on each dimension (emphasis added):

“The "spirit" (pneuma) is the part by which we apprehend realities intuitively--i.e., without reasoning upon them; with it we touch, see, serve, worship God (John 4:23-24; Romans 1:9; 1Corinthians 6:17; Revelation 1:10, et al.); it is the very inmost consciousness of the man (see, e.g., 1Corinthians 2:11); it is the part of him which survives death (Hebrews 12:23; 1Peter 3:19; comp. Luke 23:46; Acts 7:59).”

The "soul." (psyche) includes the intellect, the affections, and the will: and it is of the very essence of the gospel to force sharply upon men the distinction between it and the spirit (Hebrews 4:12).  Low-living men may have soul (i.e., intellect, affection, will) in abundance, but their spirit falls into complete abeyance (Jude 1:19)…  Because of the unique moral significance and accountability of the human soul toward God, the Bible has much to say about the spiritual warfare that uniquely challenges humans as fallen creatures.

Spiritual Warfare: Body and Spirit
The location of “the soul” becomes potentially problematic when the Apostle Paul combines the three dimensions into “body and spirit” to describe the spiritual warfare we face as believers (cf. e.g. Romans 7: 14).  Bishop Ellicott believes the soul belongs altogether to the lower nature—the “flesh (body).”  In support of this interpretation, note that in Galatians 5: 19-21, Paul gives us a list of the “deeds of the flesh (body)” which clearly include what may be considered “soul-sins”—e.g. “jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, etc.  These contrast markedly with the “fruit of the Spirit” which result when we submit our mind and spirit to the Holy Spirit in us—e.g.  love, patience, kindness.

Far be it from this writer to expound fully and accurately the relationship of body, mind, and spirit; or, even “body and spirit.”  Yet hopefully, our limited understanding will be enough for us to make some practical points that are useful for those pursuing a disciplined life so that their spirit and soul and body [will] be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).  As you explore the points below, we invite you to do so prayerfully, asking God to speak into you through His Spirit and Word.

Stewards of the Breath of God
1)  God breathed life into the lifeless.  When the “breath of God” was uniquely and directly imparted into the lifeless form that became Adam, he was enlivened with a “spirit” (“breath”) (Genesis 2: 7).  Adam’s spirit served like an electric lamp to receive power from God’s Spirit.   When Adam’s “spiritual lamp” was “plugged in” and lighted by God’s Spirit, he was able to see the truth of God’s Word and walk in His light.  However, when Adam sinned, his spiritual connection to God was broken.  Although Adam and his descendants retained a “spirit,” nevertheless, they were separated from God’s Spirit and power.  The human “spirit” became like an unplugged lamp.  The light went out!

2) Sin brought death—“lights out!”  In his epistle to Christ-followers in Rome, the Apostle Paul quotes from Psalm 14:  The LORD has looked down from heaven upon the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.  He concluded:  They have all turned aside, together they have become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.  To the Ephesians, Paul wrote (emphasis added):   And you were dead in your trespasses and sins… (Ephesians 2: 1a).  Paul adds in Ephesians 4: 18 that we were darkened in [our] understanding and alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in [us] due to the hardness of [our] hearts.  Each person living apart from God is a lifeless form without the Spirit of God.  Indeed, he is worse off than the spiritless, lifeless form that would become Adam. Think of this!  Not only do sinners love darkness and separation from God, they also hate the light of Christ who came to illuminate God’s Word of truth through the life He lived. Whereas, the lifeless “pre-Adam” lay still waiting for God’s life-giving Spirit, the fallen descendants of Adam hate the Light of God and run from the Light not knowing they are blind and ignorant of God’s love and purpose for them.

3) We must confess we are blinded and lifeless.  The Apostle John wrote, This is the verdict: Light [Jesus Christ] has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of the Light because their deeds were evil.  For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come into the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed (John 3: 19-20). John MacArthur wrote, “they seal their own condemnation because they reject the only One who can save them from their spiritual darkness” [Daily Readings from the Life of Christ.  Moody 2008]   But by God’s grace, it did not need to end in darkness.  John continued (v. 21):  But he who practices the truth comes to the Light, so that his deeds may be manifested as having been wrought in God.  Confession of our sin (“saying what God says about our sin and darkness”) is what God requires.

4) We must be “born again.”  Jesus had told Nicodemus, “You must be born again” (John 3: 3).  Like the earthen form into which God breathed during His creation of Adam, each of us are  lifeless spiritually –unless and until we are “born again.”  The good news is …if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you (Romans 8: 11).  When we die to our sin and yield to God’s Spirit, our spirit is “plugged into” God’s Spirit and our spiritual lamps burst into light which then illuminates God’s Word for our instruction in becoming more like Christ.  With the psalmist David, we can exclaim, For with You is the fountain of life; In Your light we see light (Psalm 36: 9).  Have you been “born again?” Have you received the Light of life and been filled with the “breath of life” through the indwelling Spirit of God?  To learn more, go HERE.

5) “Born again” to be a “living sacrifice.”  When we are “born again,” we are babes in Christ who ought to “desire the pure milk of the Word of God” (1 Peter 2: 2).  If we have been “saved by grace” (Ephesians 2: 8-9), we should also recognize that the same grace of God also helps us develop the disciplined life of a Christ-follower (Titus 2: 11-14).  The Apostle Paul wrote, Therefore I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you] (Romans 12: 1-2).  But we cannot “present our bodies as a living sacrifice” with our own discipline and strength.  We need the power of God’s indwelling Spirit to stand firm in a “spiritual warfare.” 

6) Realizing our spiritual warfare.  The Scriptures make it clear that each Christ-follower faces opposition from both the material dimension (“body”, “flesh”) and the spiritual realm (cf. Ephesians 6: 10-12).  Victory in our spiritual warfare requires that we consider our “old self” as having been “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2: 20) so that His resurrection life and Spirit can rule in our lives.  Here, the Apostle Paul’s teaching on the “body” and “spirit” helps us focus on the nature of the spiritual warfare (emphasis added):   For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please (Galatians 5: 17).  Then, in vv. 19-21, Paul lists examples of the “deeds of the flesh.”  This is a very depressing listing of evil attitudes and behavior.  In contrast and very uplifting is the “fruit of the Spirit:” love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, etc. (vv. 22-23).  If we take time to self-assess our attitudes and behavior, especially in difficult situations, we can literally feel the tension that often arises.  We offer the model below for sake of meditation and discussion, realizing that it oversimplifies the dynamic relationships of “spirit, soul, and body” we have been discussing.

7) Disciplines for spiritual warfare.  Here is where the “rubber” of our spiritual disciplines “meet the road” in the arena of daily living where spiritual warfare is a continual reality.  If you are not a Christ-follower, we urge you to pursue a relationship with God as explained in (4) above.  Writing to Christ-followers, we assume you have the Gift of salvation through faith in Christ, and are cultivating a relationship with God through His indwelling Spirit.  If so, the “lamp of your spirit” is lit up by God’s Spirit so that you can see His Word and be encouraged in the spiritual disciplines of surrender, prayer, worship, service, and witness to others. However, we still live within physical bodies, “earthen vessels,” that are prone to illness, sudden misfortunes, addictions, etc. which can wear us down emotionally and spiritually.  These factors are complex and dynamic from day to day.  Therefore, we close with some specific suggestions to incorporate into your spiritual disciplines drawn from study resources of the Hub Study Bible [Link]:

Strategy 1: Suit Up—Put On the Full Armor (Ephesians 6: 13-18)

• Belt of Truth — anchor every thought to God’s Word.
• Breastplate of Righteousness — walk in daily obedience; unconfessed sin leaves gaps.
• Shoes of the Gospel of Peace — stay ready to share Christ; peace steadies your footing.
• Shield of Faith — raise specific promises of God when doubts or temptations fly.
• Helmet of Salvation — guard your mind with the certainty of Christ’s finished work.
• Sword of the Spirit (the Word) — quote, pray, and apply Scripture as Jesus did (Matthew 4).
• Prayer in the Spirit — the supply line that keeps every other piece effective.

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Strategy 2: Stand on Scripture, Not Feelings

For though we live in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh… We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (2 Corinthians 10: 3-5)
• Memorize key verses that answer your recurring battles.
• Replace lies with truth; meditate until your mind reroutes automatically (Philippians 4:8).

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Strategy 3: Active Resistance

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7)
Resist him, standing firm in your faith. (1 Peter 5:9)

• First step is surrender to God; resistance without submission has no power.
• Speak truth aloud when attacked—darkness hates light.
• Persist; fleeing may not be immediate, but it is promised.

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Strategy 4: Continual, All-Kinds-of Prayer

Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. (Ephesians 6:18)

• Conversational prayers through the day keep you alert.
• Intercede for others; a wider scope denies the enemy easy targets.
• Include praise and thanksgiving—praise enthrones God and unsettles evil (Psalm 22:3).

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Strategy 5: Fellowship and Accountability

And though one may be overpowered, two can resist him. (Ecclesiastes 4:12)

• Honest relationships expose hidden schemes; secrecy is the enemy’s ally.
• Corporate worship multiplies faith and courage.

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Strategy 6: Cultivate Holiness

Make no provision for the flesh. (Romans 13:14)

• Remove media, habits, or environments that invite darkness.
• Replace them with practices that nourish the Spirit—service, Scripture, worship.

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Strategy 7: Practice Discernment

Beloved, do not believe every spirit,
but test the spirits to see whether they are from God. (1 John 4:1)

• Weigh teachings, impressions, and emotions against clear biblical doctrine.
• The Holy Spirit never contradicts the written Word.

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Strategy 8: Rest in Christ’s Victory

He disarmed the rulers and authorities and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15)

• Spiritual warfare is fought from victory, not for it.
• Remind yourself that final authority already belongs to Christ; you stand in His triumph.

Passion of God…Long Before “Passion Week”

Each year, starting with Palm Sunday and ending with Resurrection Sunday, Christians worldwide observe "Passion Week" in holy remembrance of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  This holy week highlights Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and forceful cleansing of the temple which soon led to His betrayal, arrest, illegitimate trials by night, terrible physical and emotional abuse, and eventual crucifixion. 

But the greatest significance of Passion Week is that it highlights Christ's willing journey to the Cross.  As the sinless Lamb of God, Jesus gave up His life to become the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the world.  But a borrowed tomb could not keep Him!  Jesus's glorious resurrection on Easter morning as Victor over sin and death opened the way to salvation and Eternal Life to all who believe in Him.

Although Passion Week is the culmination of the Lenten and Easter observance each year, we would like to suggest that the "Passion of Christ" began long before "Passion Week." Could it be that the "sufferings of Christ" as an expression of the eternal love of God for His creation began with the first sin in the Garden of Eden?

What follows is a series of daily devotional meditations.  Each one has a specific theme that is supported by Scriptures followed by an invitation to consider how these Scriptures practically apply to our daily living.  We hope each meditation will help users to explore and appreciate both the lovingkindness of God and the infinitely long history of His redemptive passion and plan, a plan which He conceived "before the creation of the world" (Ephesians 1: 4).  [Note:  If you begin with "Day 1" on Palm Sunday, you will finish on Resurrection Sunday (Easter).] 

Day 1: “A Perfect Communion--God and Man”
Scripture: 
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  - Genesis 1:1
God created man in His own image,
in the image of God He created him; male and female...- Gen. 1:27 
And God looked upon all that He had made, and indeed, it was very good.  
And there was evening, and there was morning—the sixth day. - Gen. 1:31 
Consider:
The Triune God-- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, existed in a perfect, loving relationship as One God from eternity past. Then, God created the heavens and the Earth and formed the first human being, Adam.  As a living person, Adam was equipped to think, communicate, and act in fellowship with God as a perfect image and reflection of God's Person and character.  From Genesis 3: 8 we learn that Adam and his human companion, Eve, enjoyed perfect fellowship with God, walking with him in the cool of the day, hearing the sound of His voice, and receiving the warmth of His love.
Application:
Can you remember a loving relationship that you hoped would never end? Did God know that His love for Adam and Eve so warmly reciprocated would end with their rejection of Him?  Yes, He did!  But this knowledge did not cause God to love Adam and Eve any less.  Instead, God had already determined that He would redeem Adam's fallen race, including all who will turn to Him by faith. ln fact God chose us in Him [Jesus Christ] before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence.  In love... Ephesians 1: 4.  He had restoration of humankind and creation in mind long before Adam's tragic fall into sin.
Response:
Imagine the blessing of Adam and Eve as they walked with God in a mutually shared love and joy!  Can you personally relate to the blessing of regular communion with God?  If so, thank Him now for making it possible through Christ  

Day 2: “Perfect Love Relationship--Broken!”
Scripture: 
When the woman saw that the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eyes, and that it was desirable for obtaining wisdom, she took the fruit and ate it. She also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate it. 
And the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; so they sewed together fig leaves and made coverings for themselves... 
Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden. (Genesis 3: 6-8)
Consider:
Adam and Eve were free to choose either to love God by living lives consistent with their image-bearing, divine nature; or by living in contradiction to a life that would express their love and honor to their Creator.  One day, possibly just before the "cool of the day" when they would often enjoy walking with God, Adam and Eve made the fateful choice to doubt and then reject God's loving provision for them.  The effect of their choice was immediate!  They felt a sense of alienation from God.  Then, guilt and fear led them to hide from God, or so they thought. 
Application:
Like all of their descendants, Adam and Eve were created to be holy images of God as long as they chose to obey Him.  Unfortunately, they yielded to Satan's temptation and allowed the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes, and the boastful pride of life [to rule them, a spirit that] is not from the Father but is from the world (1 John 2: 16).  Adam and Eve would never be the same or have the same loving communion with God.  Fortunately, although they had rejected God, He had not rejected them.  His love never fails. 
Response:
Take time to thank God that His love endures, and His mercy never fails.  Song:  "Goodness of God," Bethel Music, Jenn Johnson  Click HERE.

Day 3: “God's Passion and Pursuit Begins”
Scripture: 
Then the man and his wife heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God among the trees of the garden.  Then the LORD God called to the man, and said to him, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3:8- 9)
Consider:
Adam and Eve had been accustomed to walking with the LORD in the cool of the day, hearing His voice, and basking in the love, joy, and peace that radiated from Him.  But on one particular day, they yielded to the tempting voice of Satan and ate the fruit from the only tree that God had pronounced "off limits." Suddenly, they were gripped by fear when they heard God's voice and they hid from Him. Tragically, the effects of that first sin upon Adam and Eve have been experienced by their descendants of every generation down to the present day.

Application:
Can you remember the hurt and pain you felt when you lost a cherished relationship? Terrible as such an experience of loss can be, it is impossible for us to fathom the anguish of God when Adam and Eve rejected His love. Their rejection of His command pierced the loving heart of God. But the divine grief over their sin was more than matched by God's passionate and just plan to redeem the fallen couple--and their offspring.  From that moment in the Garden when God asked, "Where are you?", God knew the sin and sorrow His Son would bear on the Cross for you and me. 
Response:
Enter a time of quiet meditation on God's question, "Where are you?" Make it personal; and then respond in prayer as God's Spirit leads you.

Day 4: “The Gravity of Sin Requires Bloodshed”
Scripture:
Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked,
and they sewed fig leaves together and made loin coverings. -Genesis 3: 7
The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. - Genesis 3: 21
No man can by any means redeem his brother
   Or give to God a ransom for him—
For the redemption of his soul is costly,
  And he should cease trying forever— - Psalm 49: 7-8
Consider: 
Adam and Eve are the only humans who were able to know God intimately, walk with Him, and intimately know each other without sin and shame.  All of these privileges were diminished with the fall.  Suddenly, "their eyes were opened." Guilt, shame, and fear exposed their nakedness physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  As God's image bearers, all of us as Adam's descendants have inborn sense of justice that calls us to make peace with God.  Adam and Eve chose to hide from God in their sin and shame, and to cover their naked vulnerability by make-shift means.
Application:
How old were you when you first realized the guilt and shame of disobeying your parents or a teacher?  Can you relate to how Adam and Eve must have felt?  Maybe like them, you tried to "fix things" or "cover up." But chances are your sin was discovered, and the wrongness of your actions were made clear through explanation and maybe even punishment.  If you were disciplined, you may also remember the relief of having "paid the price" for your sin.  But who "pays the price" for our sins and our "sin nature" in God's sovereign plan?  Amazingly, God Himself "paid the price!"  In God's mercy, He spared us of what we deserved--eternal death and separation from Him. In God's grace, He gives us what we don't deserve--eternal Life. 
Response:
Have you received His Gift (John 3: 14-21)?   If so, thank God now for the free Gift of faith and salvation through Christ's sacrifice.  How will you confront temptation and the sin that so easily confronts you?  See Hebrews 12: 1-3; 1 John 1: 5-9.  

Day 5: “The Grief of God--And His Mercy”
Scripture: 
The LORD God said to the serpent...I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; he shall bruise you on the head, and you shall bruise him on the heel.” - Genesis 3: 14a, 15 
Now Adam had sexual relations with his wife, Eve, and she became pregnant. When she gave birth to Cain, she said, “With the LORD’s help, I have produced a man!” - Genesis 4: 1 
Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. The LORD was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart.  - Genesis 6: 5-6
Consider:
On Day 4, we reflected on how our disobedience as a child brought guilt and shame upon us. But did we ever think how our parents or a teacher might have felt?  Likely, they were disappointed, maybe angry, and likely ready to make you pay the price for your disobedience.  As much as I dreaded the punishment, I eventually realized that my disobedience hurt my parents and teachers.  Their disappointment in me hurt them.  It also hurt them to "apply physical hurt" to me!  Above all, I must realize how much grief God has born since the Garden and all the way to the Cross.

Application:
According to our Scripture for today, when God saw the extent of the wickedness on the Earth, It broke his heart.  What would God do?  The Old Testament understanding was, The soul that sins will die (Ezekiel 18:20).  But, from before the beginning of time, God had another plan.  Beginning with Adam's sin, God would enter in and participate in addressing the penalty for sin. To show the seriousness of our sin, God the Creator of animals chose to commit the first act of killing an animal and shedding its life blood to make skin coverings for Adam and Eve. Then, in Exodus and Leviticus, God outlined a sacrificial system by which sin was atoned through blood sacrifices.  For ...according to the law of Moses, nearly everything was purified with blood. For without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness (Hebrews 9: 22). 
Response:
Praise God for His love that flowed from His grieving heart as mercy and forgiveness, first through the repeated blood sacrifices under His Old Covenant; and then, in the New Covenant, sealed once and for all through the blood of His precious Lamb, Jesus Christ.  See also, Hebrews 10.

Day 6: “God's Passionate Love Doesn't Give Up”
Scripture: 

I permitted Myself to be sought by those who did not ask for Me; 

       I permitted Myself to be found by those who did not seek Me.

       I said, ‘Here am I, here am I,’

      To a nation which did not call on My name.

I have spread out My hands all day long to a rebellious people,

      Who walk in the way which is not good, following their own thoughts,

      A people who continually provoke Me to My face… - Isaiah 65: 1-2

“Oh, how can I give you up, Israel? How can I let you go? How can I destroy you like Admah or demolish you like Zeboiim? My heart is torn within me, and my compassion overflows. - Hosea 11: 8
Consider: 
The Old Testament Scriptures are the account of the many ways in which God was seeking to redeem mankind.  Although Adam and Eve had once been God's perfect image bearers, they and their descendants had become fallen images tarnished by sin. Think of it!  But how could an infinite, holy, longsuffering God convey to mankind the greatness of His love and passionate longing for our redemption?  The book of Hosea gives us one of many Old Testament accounts.

Application:
Most of us have or have had the blessing of loving another person very deeply--perhaps your spouse, your parents, or a boy- or girlfriend.  For some of us, a loving relationship came to a screeching halt followed by a time of deep hurt and grief.  The Book of Hosea gives us the account of how God asked Hosea the prophet to marry a woman named Gomer who became immoral (or may already have been immoral) and sold her body as a prostitute.  Hosea obeys, marries, and loves Gomer even though she is unfaithful and leaves him.  God uses this tragic, adulterous marriage and Hosea's loving pursuit of unfaithful Gomer to convey how much He loves us and all of lost, sinful mankind. 
Response:
Meditate on the depth of God's passionate love for you according to the Scriptures above.  How will you respond?

Day 7: “Centuries of Sacrificial Lambs: Then, 'the Lamb'”

Scripture: 
When He approached Jerusalem, He [Jesus] saw the city and wept aloud over it, saying, “If you had known in this day, even you, the things which make for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes. - Luke 19: 41-42

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing. - Jesus Christ (Matthew 23: 37) 
Consider:
God's passionate longing to gather, comfort, and restore fallen mankind was repeatedly expressed through the Old Testament prophets like Hosea.  However, the ultimate expression of God's unfailing, covenant love ("lovingkindness" or "mercy") occurred through the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. The first "Palm Sunday" began what we now call "Passion Week." God had sovereignly planned from before the beginning of time for Jesus to suffer and die as "the Lamb that takes away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29). The first Palm Sunday was also the Jewish "lamb selection day" when spotless lambs were selected for sacrifice to achieve atonement for their sins. On that very day, God had ordained that His "Lamb," Jesus Christ, would approach Jerusalem riding humbly on a donkey.  Overlooking Jerusalem, Jesus paused on His mount, wept loudly, and cried out the words recorded by Luke (above).

Application:
We have emphasized the tragic effect of sin --the guilt, shame, and ruination of relationships both with God and our neighbor. We also emphasized how our sin brings grief to God who, after all, is a Person with moral consciousness and emotions.  But, in spite of being grieved and offended by our sin, and instead of conferring the death penalty upon mankind, God sent His Son, Jesus Christ, who is fully God and fully human, to take our death penalty.  What a Savior!
Response:
God's Spirit, our Comforter convicts us of sin, and if we humbly repent, He restores us to fellowship with Him under the blood of Christ's righteousness.  Don't hide from the One who awaits your repentant spirit and freely offers reconciliation and sanctification, all because of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus, the spotless Lamb of God.

Day 8: “Fellowship of His Suffering”
Scripture: 

For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.  And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. – Romans 8: 22-23.

And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him. - Romans 8:17

I am glad when I suffer for you in my body, for I am participating in the sufferings of Christ that continue for his body, the church. - Colossians 1: 24

I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to Him in His death… - Philippians 3: 10

Consider: The inspired Scriptures above from the Apostle Paul's epistles emphasize three themes that run throughout the Bible: 
1) the "groaning of creation" with its "anxious longing" for freedom from the curse of sin. 
2) God as "Shepherd of Israel" (Psalm 80: 1) seeking to call the wayward sheep back His sheepfold where they can receive His comfort. 
3) God the Holy Spirit teaching, convicting, indwelling, and interceding "with groanings too deep for words..." (Romans 8: 26-27). 
Combining these three themes, we see a groaning creation, God passionately seeking sinners; and God/s Spirit, our Comforter, who comforts us in our groaning, identifying with us who share in "the sufferings of 'Christ" because of our testimony for Him.  Together these themes speak of a God whose passion for a lost world and a lost humanity would spare nothing, not even His only Son, to bring restoration. 

Application:
We close this series with a great question for which we have no satisfying answer. Why would a holy God who, in the words of A. W. Tozer, is "...not simply the best we know infinitely bettered...[but instead, One who] stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible and unattainable"-- how could such a holy Being, One "who knew no sin," willingly "become sin for us" (2 Corinthians 5: 21)? The only answer is God's "incomprehensible and unattainable" love for His creation and for humanity, His image bearers.
Again, A.W. Tozer:" God is holy and He has made holiness the moral condition necessary to the health of His universe. To preserve His creation God must destroy whatever would destroy it.  Whatever is holy is healthy; evil is a moral sickness that must end ultimately in death." 

God sent His only begotten Son to be "the Lamb" that would take upon Himself all the sin, the "moral sickness" of the world.  Through His death, Christ ended the curse of sin and provided a way to Life Eternal.
Response:  If you began this daily devotional series on Palm Sunday, the first day of "Passion Week," you are now reading this on Easter Sunday. Maybe you will be led of the Spirit to take time to review, and we hope you will be even more in awe of the redemptive plan of God.  All of this provision was made before the foundation of the world, born from the passionate, loving heart of God--long before "Passion Week."  Meditate on the amazing truth that God made Him [Jesus Christ] who knew no sin to be sin in our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5: 21).