Tuesday, 9^th January 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

THEME: O MAN, THE ONE WITH A CHOICE

THEME SCRIPTURE: "And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, 'Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat; for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die' ” – Genesis 2:16-17

 

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. Was man created to be a robot or a free agent?

Man, God’s masterpiece, was formed out of the ground; the same way all the animals of the earth were formed. The first man was therefore called Adam [from the Hebrew word ‘ada-ma-h’, meaning ground]. Yet he [man] was unique to all God's creation. God had given man the ability to make choices and to be accountable. God could have made man into a robot who automatically responds to His remote controller but He did not. Having created a man who could choose or decide for himself, God gave him a choice, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat; for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Gen 2:16-17). From that day onward, Adam had to decide whether to stay away from, or stay with this tree [the tree of the knowledge of good and evil]. Not only that—from the day man was created, he did not know good or evil. He was limited in knowledge. All he knew was what God told him either on a daily basis or from time to time, and that was all man needed [God's word].

It may be said that man did not know the power of choice until he exercised it in the wrong way.

Man chose to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and this happened--his knowledge increased. Man now knew good, but also evil. He was now torn between good, evil and God’s word. Further, when he ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, he soon learnt that to every choice there is a consequence. Due to their choice, the man and his wife, and entire generation were separated from God and cast out of God’s garden of Eden. Man was to till the ground before he could eat. He was to contend with thistles and thorns to survive.

Beloved, you are a woman or man of choice. Though created in God’s image and born again, you have a choice.

Every day of our lives we are making choices. These choices are either evil, good or godly. Remember also, “Good is not necessary God”, and every choice or decision we pursue is like putting a seed into the soil. It will surely germinate, grow and bear fruits. We will all eat the fruits of our choices or decisions. If our decisions are carnal, we will reap corruption. But if they are spiritual, we shall reap that which is eternal (Gal 6:8).

Precious one, your greatest gift given to you and I by God is the gift of salvation in addition to the gift of life.

However, this gift does not erode our ability to make choices. Hence, God has sent us His Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. Beloved, this year, walk with the Holy Spirit of God and He will help you to align your choices in obedience to God’s word. Don’t just live on the basis of good and evil. Rather live in conformity with the will of God through His Spirit. Remain blessed.

 

FURTHER READING – Genesis 2:1-17

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so

 

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD:

1. How careful are you with your choices?

PRAYER

Precious Father, thank you for the capacity to make choices. Holy Spirit of God, you will always guide me into all truth so that my choices are in alignment with the will of God.  I choose to live a godly life by the power of the Holy Spirit, to His glory and honor. Hallelujah!

 

1-Year Bible Reading

Genesis 17; Genesis 18; Psalm 19; Psalm 20; Psalm 21; Matthew 11