who told you...?

       Genesis 3:9-13 contains a series of 4 questions, and while each is important and pertinent to the context, I want to consider but one at this time.
         From the question asked by God of Adam and Eve, "Who told you that you were naked?", I want to consider the phrase, "Who told you..."?
         This question goes to the source of information...like an investigative reporter looking for the source in order to lend credibility to their story. If the source is reliable, one can assume that the information is valid.
        "Who told you..."? is a legitimate question, especially at a time when fake news abounds and fragments of conversations taken out of context become foundational to the reporters headlines.
       In our text, Adam and Eve, discover their nakedness came as a result of their sin, which has a way of revealing consequences, are challenged by God's question. This question does not arise from Divine Ignorance, but was asked to give the sinning couple an opportunity to confess.
       If we would consider the source of much of the information that assails us, we may well be less likely to believe everything we hear and read. Should we not be at least a little suspect of the legitimacy of the latest bit of gossip that comes our way? Should we not want verification as to "who told  you...?"
     As in the previous devotional, it comes down to confidence in the Authority rather than confidential authority. Many want to report something, but are unwilling to reveal their 'sources', citing 'confidentiality".  In John 18:20-21, Jesus replied to His accusers that He had "spoken openly to the world" and that should they need verification of what He taught, they could ask those who had heard Him, for He had said nothing in secret.
       Sadly, we tend to take the word of individuals, based not on their veracity, but on their celebrity. Why do we assume that a person's celebrity status automatically makes them an authority on morality. Why does popularity suddenly give a platform for opinions that lack factual content?
         Since so many young people are being taught to 'question everything'...isn't it about time they ask, "Who told you...?"
         I usually try to include a song or hymn at the end of these devotionals which is intended to keep you thinking about the main thought throughout the day. The only one that comes to mind is the old Spiritual, written by an unknown author, "Were You There?"