Fig Leaves And False Coverings

Genesis 3:7  
And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

Thought:  
When Adam and Eve saw their nakedness, they felt more than embarrassment. They felt exposed, helpless, and unable to fix what sin had done. Their answer was to cover themselves with fig leaves. This was the first human attempt at self-remedy.  

Those fig leaves picture every way people try to cover their ruined hearts without turning to God. Some use good works. Some use religious activity. Some use excuses. Some hide behind success, anger, addictions, or even considering themselves the victim. These things may cover the outside, but not the heart.  

Here is the deeper truth. Our problem is not only that our sin is exposed. Our problem is that we cannot cover it ourselves. No amount of effort, rule keeping, or self improvement can cleanse our guilt before a holy God.  

God must provide the covering. Later in Genesis 3 God clothed Adam and Eve with garments of skin. This points forward to Jesus, the Lamb of God, whose blood and righteousness are the only true covering for our sin. We need righteousness that comes from God, not from our own hands.  

Prayer:  
Lord, I admit that my own “fig leaves” cannot cover my sin. My good works, excuses, and religious efforts are not enough to make me right with You. Thank You Jesus for dying for my sins and rising again so that I can be clothed in Your righteousness. Help me to stop trusting in myself and to rest only in what You have done for me. In Jesus’ name, amen.