Because I said so...

When I was a child, there was a time when a discussion was settled and decided by my parents saying "Because I said so." It meant there was no more room for questioning. The parent had made a decision and it would not be changed.

At the time it could feel unfair, like your position on the topic was overridden by theirs! Looking back though, from a parent's perspective, those decisions were made from a position of needing to protect those who were unable to understand the potential for negative consequences of choices desired.

And then I look at Eden. Two innocent ones who had no understanding of evil, or what it could do, walking, protected and nurtured with their Father in a beautiful garden. He had no desire, in his Fatherly heart, to hold them there against their will - hence the choice of trees. He did warn them about choosing the Tree of Knowledge though. But all he could really say was "because I said so". They had no concept of what "dying" would mean.

As a parent hoping that his child would listen and do as he said out of trust and love, after all his nurturing care, God had to let go and allow them to choose. And sadly, they decided the forbidden tree looked really nice (like we often do still, with things that are bad for us) and ate the fruit from that tree. And then they didn't just know good. They knew what evil was too. And they couldn't go back to unknowing.

God did have a plan for redemption and restoration of innocence and beauty. But it was a costly one. It would cost his heart and his life blood!! But like any parent, even broken ones!, who love their child, he was willing to go through with it to rescue his children.

Becoming a Christian is so much more than a nodding assent to the existence and purpose of Jesus. It's a learning process - getting to know the true heart and soul of our Father. Setting aside the lies we've been told. Becoming secure in trust and love for the one who loved first! Being able to understand that because he is good and love and life, we can trust him in the "because I said so". And just walk that way. Because he is so much wiser! (Even wisdom in us doesn't seem to help much! Look at Solomon!)

His wisdom, his love for us, his way, leads us away from the messes we are inclined to choose. Get to know him. Really know his heart! He is beautiful and wants to restore you!

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