A Verse
Genesis 2:16-17
And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.”
A Comment
When we consider Genesis 2:16-17, we see the benefits of God’s boundaries. When God prohibits man from eating of the one tree in the garden, it is because He desires to protect His creation from death. Furthermore, we see that the prohibition of one tree is paralleled with a welcome to enjoy all of the other trees that God has provided. God’s boundaries are aimed at our good and His glory.
In a society that prizes personal liberty without boundaries, we need to be reminded that the boundaries that God has given us are intended for our good, not our harm. When God prohibits us from doing something, be that idolatry, disrespect for others, murder, hatred, sexual immorality, lust, stealing, or envy, it is not because He intends to deny us some joy or pleasure in life but because He intends His goodness to be enjoyed within the boundaries of His will. Furthermore, we must resist the temptation only to hear the prohibitions and fail to hear the invitation to enjoy so many other things within the boundaries of God’s will.
A Prayer
Will you pray with me?
A Blessing
The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
The Blessings of God's Boundaries