The Well: January 2

January 2: Genesis 3,4

These chapters follow in great contrast to chapters 1 and 2. There God displayed his power and brought about a “good” creation, especially designed for his glory and the wellbeing of mankind. But all that changes as Satan and sin enter the picture. 

God’s created order of God —> Man —> Wife —> Creation is now set on its head. Instead of God being obeyed by mankind who in turn rule over creation, everything is turned around. Satan, represented as part of creation through his taking the form of a serpent, now asserts himself against Eve who submits to his authority while attempting to lead her husband. Adam, instead of providing headship and leadership, capitulates and submits to his wife’s desires. This leads to their united rebellion against God. They no longer allow God to be the determiner of good and evil. Now they will play that role.

This simple act of rebellion turned out not to be so simple. Instead of walking with God they were now hiding from him. And when given the chance to repent, they chose instead to shift the blame and rationalize. The great effects of sin are seen in a nuanced way as we see this first couple, once naked and not ashamed, are not fully aware that a radical change has come about, not only in their relationship with God, but within themselves. 

Just how bad was sin? And how disastrous were its effects on humanity? We see the first indication in chapter 4 where brother kills brother. And, as Moses quickly chronicles the passing of time and generations, we come eventually to Lamech who, apparently, writes a famous poem boasting that he is an even greater sinner than Cain. It appears that God’s great creation has been forever ruined. Or has it?

While the toxin of sin has made it into every corner of creation, God does not leave himself on the sidelines. Yes, he could have turned his back at this point and allowed humanity to follow its own desires, only to endure the righteous wrath and justice of God eternally. But God determined that sin would not win.

In 3:15, as God is passing out the curses, we find the very first hint of God’s intention to remedy the situation. Through the seed of the woman — the “he” — God promised that someday the brokenness brought about by Adam’s sin would be healed through a second Adam who would accomplish God’s desires with great power and perfection. This promise finds its first tiny step of fulfillment in the last verse. With Abel’s death, another son was needed. And God blessed Adam and Eve with Seth, the “God-appointed one” and in his time, people “began to call upon the name of the Lord.” All was not lost.

Prayer: Dear God, our gracious Heavenly Father, may you be glorious in my life today. And may the reality of my sin keep me from acting pridefully as I seek to carry your Name and your truth with me today. Thank you Lord, for keeping your promise, for sending the “he” — our Lord Jesus — through whom I have  been brought into your family, into your redemptive love, and into partnership with Christ in the great rescue plan of the Gospel. I am yours, and am grateful to be so, through Jesus Christ my Lord, Amen.