Talking to a Snake is Never a Good Thing!

             As the first woman and the person who took the first bite of the forbidden fruit, Eve is generally referred to as the one who caused all our problems.  However, if you examine the Scripture closely you might decide to cut her some slack.  You’ll also learn a lot about our awesome God.

            I must admit that I am a little perplexed by why Eve would have a conversation with a snake or any animal for that matter.  Of course, for all we know, maybe animals could talk before the world got turned upside down.  What we do know about that time before sin entered the world is that Adam and Eve had a very special relationship with God.  Genesis 3: 8 tells us that God walked in the Garden.  Have you ever wondered what it would be like to just take a stroll with God?  That always makes me think of the song, “In the Garden”.  What a beautiful picture that must have been.

            As we consider the deception and the bad choice that allowed sin to enter the world, we need to take a closer look at God’s instructions.  In Genesis 2: 15 – 17, God gave Adam the instructions about eating the fruit in the garden.  He made it very clear that he was not to eat of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil.  Notice that those instructions were given to Adam, and Eve was not created until the verses after that announcement.  I can’t help but wonder if Adam made the instructions clear to Eve.  Perhaps he did and she was just that gullible but there’s always the chance that he didn’t quite explain it to her. In any event, Adam must carry some of the blame since Genesis 3: 6 clearly says that he was with her when she ate the fruit. 

            Too often, we are like Adam and Eve, wondering if God really meant what He said.  Then, when we get caught in our sin, we look for others to blame, just as Adam did in verse 12.  Adam and Eve found out very quickly that it is impossible to hide our sins from God.  If only we could learn the same lesson.

            While this account is unpleasant since it has affected all generations it also tells us some beautiful things about God. From the very beginning, God intended us to have a purpose in our lives.  He gave Adam work to accomplish, and even after they were cast out of the garden, Adam still had work although it would be much less pleasant. 

            By creating Eve as Adam’s helper or more precisely his counterpart who would complement him in every way, God made it clear that we need companionship.  While not all of us may be blessed with a mate, we can still find community and companionship with our family and friends.  That’s why our church family is so important.

            When Adam and Eve sinned, God didn’t wash His hands of them.  Yes, He punished them, but He never stopped loving them.  He provided for them by making them clothing (3:21) and He promised to send them a Savior (3: 15) who would turn the world upright once more.  That should be a great comfort to us.

            So, what can we learn from Eve?  First, don’t try to argue with Satan!  He is a master of deceit, so we must be on guard.  When we do sin, which we will, we must accept responsibility and seek God’s forgiveness.  Thankfully, because of God’s grace, He will forgive!

            Eve wasn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination but the name that she was given means “mother of all living”, so God created her as a separate, distinct individual with a purpose.  God didn’t give up on her when she sinned, and He won’t give up on us.  Aren’t you glad we serve a merciful God?

Genesis 2: 4 – 4:2