As the blindness began to set in, the man and woman began to see most clearly. What was formerly veiled had now become terrifyingly visible. That which had been beautifully common became tormenting to their soul. What had formerly been a look of acceptance turned to a gaze of accusation. Previously they stood together open and unashamed, now they cringe, exposed by their treasonous hearts. Having been divinely united in covenant, created one for the other, they now stand together separated by their nakedness, sin, and shame.
Just moments before, they were listening to the poisonous words of a cunning serpent. As doubt, desire, and deception engulfed the couple, one tasted and then gave to the other. Simultaneously, their eyes were both blinded yet beholding, their minds both darkened yet enlightened, their bodies living yet now dying, and their hearts were both sensitive yet hardening. Everything had changed in an instant. With lips still moist with the sweet taste of nectar, the first man and woman sent mankind forth upon a journey of which even the greatest storytellers could never tell.
After indulging their desires, the man and woman quickly attempted to fix, or better yet, cover up their problem. Hastily reaching for the nearest means of concealment, they made themselves garments of fig leaves, venturing to accomplish the first act of works-righteousness. The man and his wife sought to clothe their sinful hearts by covering their bodies, attempting to hide their sin from God and from one another. Yet, the couple’s efforts were futile, for God, their Creator, is He who discerns “the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Heb. 4:12-13).
