When our Eyes are Opened, but our Vision Changes

True North breakout Session 1

Before Genesis 3, Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed. They knew themselves, each other, and God with full transparency. Their calling was already clear: live in God’s presence, tend what he had entrusted to them, and fill the world with his life.[^1]

There was another voice that invited them to question God’s word and his goodness.  In Eden, they were given complete access, but the one fruit they were forbidden to eat of, is the one fruit they consumed.  Scripture says then, their eyes were opened. Spiritual enlightenment is a noble pursuit, however when we choose to do so outside of God’s wisdom, we distance ourself from the source of truth itself. 

What did Adam and Eve see? Their nakedness. They covered themselves, hid from God, and began shifting blame.[^2] The world around them had not suddenly become a different place. Their experience of it had changed.

Shame told them, I cannot be seen as I am. Fear told them, God’s presence is dangerous. Blame told them, The person beside me is the problem. These became lenses through which they saw reality. Scripture does not say every fear or struggle we experience is caused by a personal failure. It does show how quickly distrust can distort our vision of God, ourselves, and one another.[^3]

The first thing God says to the hiding man is, “Where are you?” He comes toward them and draws them into the truth.[^4] That matters for us today. We can make a plan to address an obstacle, but first we may need to ask whether we are seeing it clearly. Am I hearing God’s voice, or an old voice of shame? Am I facing a real limitation, or hiding because I believe I will be rejected if I am seen?

Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.”[^5] Truth is more than accurate information about our problems. In Jesus, we meet the Father who brings us back into relationship and teaches us to see again. His Spirit does not give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and sound judgment.[^6] As N. T. Wright observes, John’s Gospel presents Jesus as the beginning of God’s new creation; restoration is meant to take shape in the world.[^7]

So as we enter these questions, we can begin with honesty rather than pressure to sound strong:

• What is getting between me and my calling? What happened, and what story am I telling myself about it?

• What would a faithful next step look like? Who could help me take it?

• What might change around us if men who have been hiding begin to live in truth, love, and courage?

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Lord, show us where fear and shame have shaped our vision. Help us hear your voice, receive the truth you speak in Jesus, and take the next faithful step together. Amen.

Footnotes

[^1]: Genesis 1:26–28; 2:15, 25. BibleProject, “Connected: Humanity’s Design in the Biblical Story⁠,” discusses humanity’s intended connection with God and one another. [^2]: Genesis 3:1–13. BibleProject, “The Tale of Two Trees⁠,” discusses the connection between their opened eyes, vulnerability, and hiding. [^3]: “Lenses” is a pastoral description of the pattern in Genesis 3, rather than a term used by the passage. BibleProject, “Can We Experience Eternal Life on Earth Right Now?⁠,” explores how God’s wisdom gives a perspective that moves beyond fear and shame. [^4]: Genesis 3:8–9. The observation that God approaches them comes from the narrative; the question is not presented here as proof that God lacked knowledge of their location.[^5]: John 14:6. Jesus speaks these words while preparing his disciples for his departure and assuring them of their relationship with the Father; see John 14:1–11.[^6]: 2 Timothy 1:7. In context, Paul encourages Timothy to rekindle his gift and continue bearing witness despite suffering; see 2 Timothy 1:6–8.[^7]: N. T. Wright, “Seven Themes That Will Revolutionize How You Read John⁠.” The application to this workshop is my synthesis of Wright’s discussion of truth and new creation in John.