Genesis 3 introduces us to humanity, Satan and God’s plan for redemption.
That Darn Tree
The methods employed by the snake (Satan) are interesting to take apart. First, he asks Eve a question. Questions beg to be answered, don’t they? Satan’s question especially so because he didn’t get it completely right. Eve needed to respond to set the record straight.
Eve’s response corrects Satan’s error but highlights the one negative Satan wanted her to focus on – the prohibition of eating from the tree of knowledge. Eve was thorough in her instruction and included that the Lord God said she would “surely die” when she did eat that fruit (2:16 & 3:2).
The Lord was primarily referring to spiritual death, not immediate physical death. However it is the lack of physical death that Satan used to bolster his argument. Satan also made eating the fruit very attractive by pointing out that “your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God.” (3:5)
Now, Eve is pondering this forbidden tree. (3:6)
DANGER!
- Its fruit can be eaten – it won’t kill her, the snake said so!
- It is very pretty – always a consideration.
- The fruit will make her wise and make her more like God – wow.
WAIT!
Eve neglected two important points in her consideration about eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge. I’m hearing Mater’s voice from Cars here…
What did God tell you about eating this knowledge fruit?
Tuh not to.
Secondly, knowledge isn’t wisdom. That’s a big idea that Eve may not have been able to conceptualize. You can know lots of stuff and still have no clue how to use that knowledge.
knowledge := acquaintance with facts, truths, or principles
wisdom := knowledge coupled with just judgment as to action; discernment or insight
(dictionary.com)
Well, you know how this story goes. Eve ate the fruit and gave some to Adam, who was with her during this conversation. They were removed from the Garden of Eden where God walks. They were separated from God, spiritually dead.
Salvation
After a brief game of blaming (3:11-13), the Lord gives hints of the plan for their salvation. They aren’t even booted from the Garden yet, and God has a plan. I find that pretty cool.
Genesis 3:15
I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
Verse 15 states that Eve’s offspring will bruise Satan’s head (implying a deadly injury) and that man would have a bruised heel (suffer but live). Christ Jesus was one of Eve’s descendants, and He delivered the death-blow to Satan through his death on the cross. Done.
Hebrews 2:14
Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil.
Prayer
Dear Lord, thank you for providing this record of how to recognize Satan for the liar that he is. Please continue to guide me in Your light and truth. Lord, thank you for being God. You are the ultimate planner! Thank you for the plan of salvation realized in your Son, Christ Jesus. Lord, thank you for the Bible, the living Word of knowledge and teacher of wisdom. Thank you also for the Internet with all the knowledge available through it. Please grant me your Spirit of wisdom in how to use and apply that knowledge to your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.