G_d had completed his work week and deemed what he saw as very good, but soon realized that his human creation was not satisfied with dominion over the living things of the Earth. Man needed another self to share creation, to share work, and to share love. Now there were two, two of one body and one spirit, and each had all the knowledge of the other. What was new in Creation was "doubt." Doubt fostered the question of whether G_d had held back some blessing, that could only be attained through disobedience. The perfect companion, dominion over the Earth, and intimate contact with Divine presence appeared insufficient to satisfy a doubt filled heart consoled by attractive temptations.
There are those who profess to not believe in G_d. Some of them may say, were they placed in the physical presence of the Divine for a mere five or ten minutes, that would be enough to change their thinking towards a lifelong faithfulness. Such a desire for proof is interesting, but being in the presence of G_d has not always been sufficient to promote faithfulness. Adam and Eve walked daily with the Creator, but still challenged all the goodness they were given. Moses conversed with G_d for forty days but lost entry into the promised land for losing his temper and not doing as he was commanded. The Twelve ate and drank with Jesus for months and witnessed first-hand the power and presence of the Almighty, but when confronted with a secular power, immediately scattered and denied even knowing Jesus. Like Adam and Eve, Jesus also was confronted by the same bearer of temptation. Unlike the first Adam, Jesus turned away from doubting and blaming his weakness, and towards the Creator for strength and comfort.
We all dwell in the presence of G_d on some level, but that is quite different from the active discipline of living prayerfully, submissively in the transforming grace of Christ. Until we can stand ready to be stripped of our last earthly dignity and hope, and yet still praise Him, no length of time in the physical presence of the Divine would be sufficient to create faithfulness in us. Life in Christ demands of us to share creation, to share work, and to share the love given to us. Our daily labor, being obedient, submissive, and attentive to creation and to the Creator instills an astonishing completeness and absence of doubt. Faith is a risk. Taking a risk on a Love which does not require physical presence. "Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."
Pax,
jbt
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