“Now the serpent was craftier than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” Genesis 3:1
What a slimy little liar who planted a seed of doubt, “Are you sure you got that right, Eve?”
Throughout Genesis Chapter 3 the serpent continues to tap into Eve’s emotions. A Monday morning quarterback would have said, “Hey, Eve, you should have just told that worm to get lost. Why in the world did you think you had to explain everything to him? Don’t you believe if God says it…that settles it? Listen to your coach, Lady.”
But with her eyes frozen on the one fruit she couldn’t have Mr. Serpent moved in for the kill, “Do you really think a loving God would get mad over a teeny-weeny taste? Come on, He won’t get angry. It’s obvious he’s holding something out on you. Besides He loves to control, Evette. Don’t let Him make you His slave. You deserve to have a good time.”
Wonder if all creatures in the garden stood in silence when they heard the loud crunch from Eve’s teeth planted firmly in the fruit. By the time the juice trickled down the back of her tongue she had wisdom alright—she knew, without a doubt, she’d been had. Since misery loves company she quickly enticed Adam to do the same and he did. Thus, the first blame game was born as Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the serpent. No winners—all losers.
What seemed like the logical thing to do was now the biggest mistake of all time. Something called shame appeared with guilt following close behind as Adam and Eve realized there would be a forever separation from God.
Ever been had? I have and I’m starting to take the advice of the quarterback and say, “Get lost worm. You had me too many times before.” You see…I believed a lie that God was holding out on me when actually He was just trying to hold me closer.
Is transformation necessary? Only if you want to restore the relationship He wanted with you from the very beginning.
Thank Him for setting limits and pray you will recognize a snake in sheep’s clothing.
