Questions God Asked Man: Where Are You?

On the surface, it was a day like any day. However, what lay beneath was so profoundly significant that it changed the entire world. One day, a husband and wife were enjoying each other’s company. They were tending to their animals and plants together; life was as it had always been. Yet, when they heard the noise of another, they hid and clothed themselves. We might think, “No, duh! What else should they have done?!” But, this would be the first time they ever did this - the first time anyone ever did this. Their clothing was more than a barrier from exposure; it was a sign that exposed their guilt. Adam and Eve sinned, partaking of the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:6), and hid themselves from God. God questioned them, “Where are you?”

Have you thought about why God asked that question? We would not suppose it was because they were truly, as they thought, hidden from the sight of God. We can recall Psalm 139, wherein David expounds on God’s omni-qualities: He is omniscient, that is, all-knowing; He is omnipresent, that is, everywhere. God knew precisely where they were and what they had done, and, if we pay attention to David’s words in Psalm 139:2, “you discern my thoughts from afar,” God knew it as it unfolded in their minds. So, again, why might God have asked this question?

Perhaps the entire point of the question was to emphasize His being - it was not a question meant to inquire, but to imply. What was He implying? “I know.” I know what you have done. I know you are hiding. However, you do not know that you cannot hide from me. This question unfolds the startling truth we continue to learn about God from that point forward: He sees all, He knows all, we can hide nothing.

This is hence why He is the perfect judge - He knows us beyond our actions, but by our hearts (Lk 16:15). He sees where the human eye has limitations (Prov 15:3). He discerns what is beneath the surface (Heb 4:12-13). God is aware of all.

Such a point ought to raise a question in every mind, “Am I trying to hide something from Him?” Every person ought to have this question called to their mind, “Where are you?” Are you serving Him? Are you following Him? Are you hiding from Him? God sees all. Are you living in a way that makes that point comfortable?