Journeying in Genesis: Keep Your Eye on the Eastern Sky

“And the LORD God planted a garden in Eden,

in the east,

and there he put the man whom he had formed.”

Genesis 2:8

We don’t know exactly where Eden was, but it was planted in the east. This is the Hebrew קֶדֶם (qedem) meaning the front. We’ve witnessed the completion of creation, and now we are at the beginning of the redemption story. Jesus is the author and the finisher.

As an adverb qedem means anciently, or eastward. God is called the Ancient of Days as He leads us toward the Day when He will make all things new. Your life and area of ministry were planted before time began. Acts 15:18 says,

“Known to God from eternity are all His works.” 

The East is where the sun rises. It gives the picture of something coming to light that was already there. It takes my mind to Isaiah 9:2,

“The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness,

on them has light shone.”

That light is Jesus whose presence pails the sun. Jesus restored what was lost in Eden. Zechariah 14:4 tells us that His feet will touch the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem. Today a cemetery is in front of the sealed Eastern Gate. The sun can’t be stopped from rising in the East, and we can be sure nothing will stop the plans of our Messiah. I love the lyrics from Redemption Draweth Nigh,

“Oh, keep your eyes upon the eastern sky…”

Let’s grow in our excitement and anticipation of what He will bring to light as we seek His Kingdom first. If you are breathing when the sun comes up, ask Him to open your eyes to what He has planned. Come, Lord Jesus!