Day 3 – Gardens: Spiritual Growth through Eden

“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

Throughout the Bible, there are 4 distinct gardens mentioned: The Garden of Eden, Gethsemane, Golgotha, and the Garden of God mentioned in Revelation. Distinct and unique in their own way and yet each describes your walk with Jesus through the garden of your spiritual growth. Just as it is a personal journey, each garden also serves a particular role in God’s eternal plan for mankind.

Isn’t there something special about taking a walk with someone you love? Imagine walking with God in His creation when the cool evening breezes are blowing. But this time, you are aware of what you have done and you are utterly ashamed. After sin, the relationship of humanity with God was broken. We’re all in the Garden of Eden, trying to hide our sins from God. Not one is the exception and trying to justify what you are doing in sin is a form of pridefully hiding behind yourself.

Only One was sinless and carried on His shoulders the redemption of all humanity in the form of a wooden cross. Jesus Christ is the only One who can clean us from our sins through the repentance of our hearts. John 8:36 says, “Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” What a beautiful promise to once again walk with God in freedom in His garden.

Prayer: Father, I know that on my own I will never be righteous enough to walk with You, but through the sacrificial love of the Lamb, I am invited to walk with You. Jesus, please forgive my sins for I am a sinful human. I ask that You would point out today what I need to repent so that I can bring it to Your feet. I understand that this sin is what is holding me back to propel into freedom with You. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza