16th May 2026

Feeding Obedience

“

"Freely you may eat . . . but of the tree of the knowledge

of good and evil you shall not eat ."

Genesis 2:16-17

Today's Bible Reading: Genesis 2:15–25.

From the very beginning of humanity, God made clear the importance of obedience as we exercise the will He has given us. Our first parents were not left in confusion or restriction, but in generosity and clarity. God said, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat” — a wide and gracious freedom — “but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat” (Genesis 2:16–17).

Yet in seeking to be “like God,” they chose disobedience. They doubted His goodness, rejected His word, and took what was forbidden (Genesis 3:5–6). What followed was not enlightenment, but ruin — sin entered, shame overwhelmed them, and death came upon the whole human race (Genesis 3:6–19). What began in Eden has spread to us all.

And yet, it did not have to be this way — and God has not left us without hope.

He is gracious and gives abundantly. The Lord Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10). Yet our problem is not only Adam’s sin, but our own. We have all chosen our own way and stand guilty, to face the justice of God for our sin.

This is why Christ came. Where Adam disobeyed, Christ obeyed; where sin brought death, Christ bore it on the cross. Through Him, forgiveness and new life are given to all who repent and believe.

So the call is not merely to try harder, but to turn to Christ and live. In Him we are forgiven and given new hearts to walk in joyful obedience.

Prayer: Father, thank You for the true freedom and life found in choosing obedience to You. I bless and praise You, in Jesus' name. Amen.