Genesis 2

Scripture
Genesis 2
Verses 16-18
16 But the Lord God gave him this warning: "You may freely eat any fruit in the garden 17 except fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat of its fruit, you will surely die." 18 And the Lord God said, "It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a companion who will help him."

Observations
In the first part of these three verses God gives man free will. Adam was told the rules and the consequences and God then left it up to Adam to decide what to do. Without free will there is no benefit to us or to God, we would be prisoners to obedience. We are given free will so that it becomes our choice to obey God. We face consequences when we disobey but when we choose to obey we please God and are rewarded.

The best part of free will is that God recognizes our needs and provides for us. Notice in verse 18 that God saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone, and so He provided Eve. In the same way, when we have needs God will provide what is necessary. The most precious gift he has given us is salvation through Jesus.


Application
Although we would like to always obey God, the reality is that this is impossible. However, through our mistakes and wrong choices we can learn and grow and become more equipped and able to obey God.


Prayer
Dear Lord. Your perfect plan is so awesome and humbling. You gave us free will so that we make the choice of obedience, and through obedience we please you! Please help us all with obedience and to recognize when we are not obeying. Thank you for the rewards for obedience. Thank you also for the heartache that comes with disobedience as it helps us to learn and grow. Give us all wisdom to know when and what we need to change within ourselves. In Jesus name. Amen!