Jan 1 - Designed for His Presence

Lessons from the Lives of Adam and Eve: Designed for His Presence

by Jim Laffoon


The Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.       Genesis 1:7

So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.       Genesis 1:27

You made him a little lower than heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.       Psalms 8:5


Carefully digging His fingers into the soft clay, the Creator slowly began to fashion what would become the crown jewel of all creation.  Uniquely designed and intricately crafted, humans would be created in His very image.  Although there would be many purposes for their unique creation, one purpose would stand out among them all: humans would be designed to know and to fellowship with Him.

That’s right - from our emotional make-up to the fact that each and every one of us has a spirit, it is clear that you and I have been created to walk with the invisible God.

From Genesis to Revelation, God’s heart is repeatedly unveiled, for He wants to bring us into His ultimate purpose for our lives.  Imagine with me for a moment what it must have been like for Adam and Eve to walk with God every evening in the garden. 

Not satisfied with being their Creator and Lord, God also chose to be their friend. 

I cannot comprehend what it must have been like to fellowship with God before the fall. 

What did His face look like?  How did His voice sound?

Even after the fall, God continued to reach out in fellowship and friendship to His people.  Abraham was called His friend.  Moses walked in an amazing intimacy with Him.  Even more extraordinary is the fact that God’s heart to fellowship with His people is not limited to the great leaders of Scripture; ordinary people like you and me can taste the joy and blessing of deep fellowship with God.

Jesus told His disciples if they would learn to obey Him, they would not just be His servants, but they would be His friends (John 15:14-15).  It is no different with you and me today. 

As we settle the issue of His lordship in our lives and learn to embrace the disciplines involved in seeking His face, He will bring us into a new place of intimacy and fellowship with Him.

Many of us, however, are like the maiden who marries the king in the Song of Solomon.  In this beautiful allegory, the king does everything within his power to bring her into the reality of his love. 

Although she had, as his wife and companion, all of the rights and privileges in his kingdom, her own insecurities and pain were keeping her from enjoying the fellowship and intimacy which were rightfully hers. 

May his tender words to her resound deeply in the chambers of your heart: “Show me your face, let me hear your voice; for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely.” (Song of Solomon 2:14b)

© Copyright 2005 by Jim Laffoon