2023_01_16 Insight Post- Kim Feld

  -   January 16, 2023

This week’s reading- Genesis 3, Romans 1

After focusing on creation, we examine how sin entered the world. Genesis 3 gives us the account of Satan’s tempting words to Eve and her resulting rebellion. It seems hard to imagine that with all that God had given Adam and Eve, she could be persuaded that somehow, He was holding out on her by not allowing them to eat from one tree. It’s such a picture of how our desires can overcome reason.

There’s a lot to look at in this chapter, but reading it this week, I was struck by the kindness of God. Yes, He held Adam and Eve accountable for their disobedience. But, still, He didn’t allow them to eat from the Tree of Life, which would result in eternal separation from Him.

When Adam and Eve’s eyes were opened, and they saw that they were naked, the text says they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. But in His mercy, God provided more:

²¹ And the Lord God made clothing from animal skins for Adam and his wife. (Genesis 3:21, NLT)

For them to be clothed, something had to die. When sin entered the world, death did as well. Life would be very different for Adam and Eve from this point forward.

²³ So the Lord God banished them from the Garden of Eden, and he sent Adam out to cultivate the ground from which he had been made. ²⁴ After sending them out, the Lord God stationed mighty cherubim to the east of the Garden of Eden. And he placed a flaming sword that flashed back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life. (Genesis 3:23-24, NLT)

However, even in God’s banishment, a plan was in place to redeem what had been lost. Jesus was God’s plan to save us from the very beginning.

I am much more like Eve than I would like to believe. At times, I feel like God is not coming through for me in the way I would like. And I rebel, taking matters into my own hands. I’m so grateful for a Father who knew I would need a Savior and provided a way to find my way back home.

I’m excited to continue this journey with you as we connect the Old and New Testaments. I pray that we are filled with awe over what God has done.