3 QUESTIONS GOD ASKED IN GENESIS
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 3:9, Genesis 4:9, Genesis 21:17
Supporting Texts: Psalm 139:7-10, Matthew 22:39, Hebrews 4:16
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout the Bible, God asks questions not because He lacks knowledge, but to provoke self-reflection and spiritual awakening. In Genesis, three critical questions reveal God's concern for humanity’s relationship with Him, with others, and with their personal struggles. These questions remain relevant today, as God still asks us:
1. Where are you? – A question of spiritual location.
2. Where is your brother? – A question of responsibility.
3. What is the matter, Hagar? – A question of comfort and provision.
Let us examine these questions and their implications in our lives.
1. WHERE ARE YOU? (GENESIS 3:9)
After Adam and Eve sinned, they hid from God. But God called out to Adam, "Where are you?" This was not about geography but about their spiritual state.
a) God knows our location (Psalm 139:7-10)
God is omnipresent and sees everything, yet He asks to make us aware of our spiritual condition.
b) Sin creates separation from God (Isaiah 59:2)
Adam's hiding symbolises how sin distances us from God, leading to fear and shame.
c) God's call is an invitation to repentance (1 John 1:9)
God’s question was not for condemnation but for restoration.
d) Many are spiritually lost today (Luke 15:4-6)
God still seeks those who are lost, calling them to return.
Biblical Example: The Prodigal Son (Luke 15:17-20)
He realised where he was and returned to the Father, just as God invites sinners today.
2. WHERE IS YOUR BROTHER? (GENESIS 4:9)
Cain killed Abel and pretended not to know his whereabouts. God’s question was a reminder of his responsibility toward his brother.
a) We are responsible for others (Galatians 6:2)
God expects us to care for and look out for one another.
b) Hatred and jealousy lead to destruction (1 John 3:12)
Cain’s jealousy led to murder; unchecked bitterness can destroy relationships today.
c) Love is the fulfilment of God’s law (Matthew 22:39)
Jesus commanded us to love our neighbour as ourselves.
d) God sees every injustice (Ecclesiastes 12:14)
Just as God saw Abel’s blood crying out, He sees all acts of evil and holds us accountable.
Biblical Example: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37)
Unlike Cain, the Samaritan took responsibility for a stranger, demonstrating God's heart for humanity.
3. WHAT IS THE MATTER, HAGAR? (GENESIS 21:17)
Hagar, abandoned and distressed, wept in the wilderness. God asked her what was wrong, showing His concern for the suffering.
a) God hears our cries (Psalm 34:17)
When we are in pain, God listens and responds.
b) God provides in our wilderness (Philippians 4:19)
Just as He provided water for Hagar, He supplies our needs in desperate times.
c) God does not abandon His children (Deuteronomy 31:8)
Hagar felt forsaken, but God reminded her that He was still with her.
d) God gives a future to the rejected (Jeremiah 29:11)
Hagar’s son, Ishmael, was blessed despite his circumstances.
Biblical Example: Elijah in the wilderness (1 Kings 19:4-8)
Just as God sent an angel to Elijah in his moment of despair, He also ministered to Hagar.
CONCLUSION:
God’s questions in Genesis are still relevant today:
1. "Where are you?" – Are you spiritually hiding from God?
2. "Where is your brother?" – Are you neglecting your responsibility to others?
3. "What is the matter?" – Are you burdened with cares that God wants to lift?
God asks these questions to bring us back into alignment with Him. Will you answer Him today?
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, help me to recognise my spiritual state and return to You.
2. Father, remove every sin that separates me from Your presence.
3. Give me a heart of love and responsibility towards others.
4. Lord, heal every broken relationship in my life.
5. Father, deliver me from every jealousy and bitterness.
6. Lord, hear my cry and meet my needs today.
7. Father, lift every burden weighing me down.
8. Lord, open my eyes to see Your provision in my wilderness.
9. Father, restore hope to every hopeless situation in my life.
10. Lord, help me to walk in obedience to Your voice.
