More Than Fellowship – Intimacy!

As we look at biblical passages that relate to the companion that God created for man – we see that God had more in mind than companionship. Many people, even today, find companionship with their pets – we even hear the phrase “man’s best friend” in reference to the kind of relationship that man has with dogs. God envisioned Adam in need of much more than a pet – he already had a garden full of pets. God saw man in need of someone (as we said yesterday) who was: “…meet (suitable, adapted, complementary) for him.” This helper would provide much more for Adam than companionship, she would be bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh – she would be Hu-man like him – yet so different she would be a complement to him.

Notwithstanding the problems they had in the garden, it soon became obvious that Adam and Eve got to know each other well – because of their failing to follow the rules, they got kicked out of their garden; they had two sons, one who killed the other; and after sharing the grief and sorrow that was attached to these circumstances, we find that they had a third son – “she gave birth to another son. She named him Seth,[g] for she said, “God has granted me another son in place of Abel, whom Cain killed.” 26 When Seth grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. At that time people first began to worship the Lord by name.”

What created the environment where now, people began to worship the Lord by name? If you will allow me a little imagination, I contend, though it is not recorded, that Adam and Eve had achieved a new level of intimacy with God that they passed on to their third son and their grandson. Having lost that intimacy with the fall, the God of mercy that we know who is the same yesterday, today and forever, had mercy on his disobedient children and began to teach them how to teach their children how to have fellowship with God. I would suspect that there was another by-product with all the trails and tests that Adam and Eve went through – I would suspect that they also grew in relations!hip with each other. Trials, as is often said, will either drive you away or draw you to -the throne; it seems as if in the case of Adam and Eve – they were drawn to!

Because we know there is nothing new under the sun, we have some modern day Adam and Eve’s – who may not have got it at first, but after life gave them a little instruction, they learned some valuable lessons and also got drawn to– both the throne and to each other. In fact seven couples will share their stories of overcoming financial dilemmas, infidelity, accountability, commitment, unity, and yes –lack of intimacy. Where will their sharing take place, none other than at HeartLife’s Annual Retreat, held this year from October 16-18 in Lincolnshire! There is still time to register – contact Wes and Neesha Stringfellow at mail4neesha@yahoo.com.

God Bless You,
Maria