The third chapter of the Bible introduces a different voice to the created world. A dangerous enemy comes to sow seeds of doubt and temptation. And now God and humanity no longer live in perfect fellowship.
Perhaps you know the struggle that occurs when doubts and temptations enter in. Perhaps you face temptations right now, wondering, as Adam and Eve did, "Did God really say . . . ?" Maybe you know the guilt and shame that can make you hide from God and others.
The voice of temptation promises new knowledge and power. This newness is "pleasing to the eye" and "desirable." But sin is unable to deliver what we need most.
We greedily pursue new wealth but discover that our wants are never satisfied. We lust after new relationships but find that adultery and divorce destroy the relationships that are most precious to us.
God's voice is firm but gentle in addressing wayward humanity. In effect, he says to us, "Have you done what I commanded you not to do?" The curse of sin is real. But God also makes a promise: one day, the woman's offspring will destroy the tempter. Jesus will come, and the power of temptation will be replaced with the joy of new life.
Father, our sin has broken our world and our relationship with you. We long for something new, yet we hide from you. Let us hear your voice and know again the joy of fellowship with you. Amen.
About the author — Joel Vande Werken
Joel Vande Werken has been a pastor since 2007, serving churches in Sussex, New Jersey, and in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Brandie, have five young children.
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