Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were cast out, east of Eden (Genesis 3:24). After murdering his brother Abel, thei son Cain was exiled to Nod, east of Eden (Genesis 4:16). They had to leave the Creator’s garden. They would have preferred to return, but could not; He had barred them. Humans had chosen another leader; now there were consequences. As His crowning act, God had made man for righteousness. Made in the divine image, our race wa now distorted. Satan rejoiced! The first graffiti had been sprayed in God’s garden.

How will our Maker complete His original plan? How will man journey again, this time west from Nod?

Introduction

This sabbath has been set aside by our Pacific Union Conference as a day of emphasis for prayer for the Holy Spirit and the latter rain. We are glad to join in this event. The Scripture passage chosen for emphasis today is found in the section of the book of Leviticus known as "The Holiness Code": Leviticus 26:1-13: