The LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden… and out of the ground… made every tree grow that is pleasant to the sight and good for food.
Genesis 2, 8.9.
Right at the beginning of the Bible God shows the love in His heart towards man. He gives plentifully and joyfully. God planted a garden in Eden. In the course of time people have planned and planted beautiful gardens, where they could find rest and refreshment. What beauty and joy must have radiated from the garden that God Himself planted in Eden!
God’s garden was furnished with “every tree”. There was no lack of variety, and the trees not only looked magnificent, they also bore tasty, nourishing fruit. Adam and Eve could eat from them at will. There was no limitation, just one exception: “Of the tree of knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat” (v.17). In this way the first couple could express their gratitude and their high regard of their Creator-God by their obedience.
God had given man rich provision and assigned him the highest plan on earth. But then the tempter came in the form of a serpent, and the creature man was enticed to disobey God. History then took a downward course. Sin struck its roots in the human race with disastrous consequences for the whole of creation.
One alone did not change: the Creator. God is still the great giver. He loves us and wishes to grant us in Jesus Christ much more than Adam and Eve lost in paradise. We shall consider how that is possible tomorrow.