by Sherry Castelluccio

Created on: April 17, 2009   Last Updated: April 21, 2009

Genesis 3

I'm reminded of a commercial I saw on TV once. Cracked egg shells littered the floor and counter tops. Flour dusted the cupboards and coated the linoleum. Milk was everywhere but in the mixing bowl. The dog was wearing a chocolate face mask and in the center of all the chaos was a little girl with a single paper towel. Sometimes I imagine that God sees us that way, coated in a terrific mess that we alone created, trying to cover it up with a single paper towel.

Much like us, Adam and Eve had the same idea. They figured if they sewed enough fig leaves together, God wouldn't notice the horrible mess they'd made. The problem with fig leaves is that like the paper towel, they're not all that durable. They're on the small side and I imagine are horrible at protecting against insect bites or harsh weather. (And they couldn't be very comfortable either!) I'm sure the Lord must have chuckled at their feeble attempt to fix things by themselves. Then immediately following their fashion class, they played the blame game.

"It's his fault!" "No, it's her fault! She started it!"

"Quiet, you two! Now I'm going to have to punish you. Adam, I hate to say this but you'll be working for a living from now on until you die. Eve, honey I'm so sorry but your monthly cycles are going to be a bit more painful than you're used to. I'm also going to have to take that hatchet from you."

"You might want to avert your eyes while I kill this goat. You see, a sacrifice has to be made now so that you're covered properly. I appreciate the effort but you just can't go around wearing fig leaves. It isn't dignified. There, now that should be just fine. Lookin' good!"

And so it was that Eve became the very first woman to care about fashion and live in a man's world.

I love the way God solves problems. First, he asks what happened, giving us a chance to explain ourselves, proving that he does care about what comes out of our mouths. Then he passes judgment and serves a suitable punishment. After that he gently restores us to himself. He alone is able to provide the proper garment, and he alone is the only one worthy to dress us. He knows exactly what we need and where it's supposed to go. Adam and Eve dressed themselves in a very flimsy covering when what they really needed was goatskin. No longer did they need to hide in shame or disgrace. They were free to live in their new attire, loved by God but punished justly.

Are you still wearing your fig leaves or have you allowed God to cover you with

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