Evident from Genesis 1:26 is that Yahweh was inclusive in the declaration on man’s creation. Clearly the power to create resided solely with Him as subsequent scriptures demonstrate (Genesis 1:27; Genesis 2:7, 8). He was laying a pattern for His created beings, that only in association laid our sense of completeness! But there is more. Genesis 2:8b spoke first of the garden eastward of Eden as the location where Yahweh placed man.
Eden deserves some thought. In the Hebrew language, Eden refers to five words:
- Spot
- Moment
- Presence
- Open, and
- Delightful
Put together, ‘a spot on the earth where the presence of God is an open door to heaven, making it a delightful place’. Just as the water was made for the fish and air for the birds, the presence of Yahweh was made for humans. Even though Satan succeeded in drawing man away from God’s presence by deceiving Adam and Eve, the presence of God still remained open to such as He would draw nigh (Genesis 28:10-17). Of particular note was Jacob’s remark ‘surely the Lord is in this place and I knew it not’; a phrase that describes the lives of many believers today. Paul told the Athenians in Acts 17:27b, that He is not far from us; but the enemy has further damned man by putting in his hands those tools that become addictive that once trapped, he is effectively separated from God and others with whom he is to be in relationship. From television to phones and now to virtual reality where you can create and live in your own reality. Yet joy eludes us for all the gadgets we accumulate, we addict ourselves and our children until we are totally alienated, blinded and robbed of our God given identity! (Genesis 1:26 and Romans 8:29).
Only in His presence is the fullness of joy. Psalm 16:11 (TPT) “because of you, I know the path of life, as I taste the fullness of joy in your presence. At your right side I experience divine pleasures forevermore.” No avatars in Metaverse can produce the joy and satisfaction you seek. Those innovations and technologies that continue to multiply and in increasing sophistication have a DARK SIDE to them, that except you are sufficiently discerning and disciplined in your use of them you will be blinded by the prince of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4 (MSG). What impact have the television, mobile phones and iPods had on your use of time and your fellowship with God and man? Selah.
Pastor Afolabi Oladele
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