Faith Walstrum

Learning from Adam

I have been involved with St. Albans since August 2024, and I am a part of the student vestry. 

The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it. And the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat of every tree of the garden; 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 die.” - Genesis 2:15-17"

Click here to read the appointed scripture for the First Sunday in Lent.

Devotional

In Genesis 2:15-17, Adam was given a command from God, to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. I noticed that by saying this, the Lord created a choice for the man and the opportunity to rebel against Him. Originally, I thought God’s use of the word “command” was harsh. Then I realized if there is no command, then there can never be a choice. What is beautiful about our God is that He wants our love and obedience but because we want to choose our commitment to Him. Part of the season of Lent is to focus on our spiritual commitment, reflection, and repentance. We can learn from Adam’s example to open our ears and hearts to the truth of the Lord by leaning into prayer and adopting spiritual discipline.

Dear Heavenly Father, I lift up my dear brothers and sisters to you, that they may rest in the truth of your word. May they keep the knowledge that you created them with a purpose and that they are inspired to live in joy and faith through their trust in you. Lord I pray that when temptation befalls us that we may recognize the evil at work, and turn to you for you are our hiding-place, our safety amidst our troubles.

Amen.