Book By Book 1: Genesis To 2 SamuelSample

Today we see humanity’s response to God. Though only one simple rule is given, Adam and Eve could not obey. No matter how completely God had supplied for their every need, they want the one thing they can’t have. The result of their sin is they messed things up for everyone. Conflict arose between humanity and God, between each other, and between them and creation - all issues we still struggle with today. God’s response emphasizes the danger of what humanity has done and helps us understand why humanity must be subjected to frustration and death so evil cannot grow unchecked. Even in the midst of humanity’s failure, God gives a ray of hope. In verse 15 we are told, “He will strike your head.” In Revelation 20:2, we are told that the serpent was Satan, and this is a promise that Satan will one day be defeated by someone who will be born of a woman. That’s Jesus! Paul makes reference to this in Galatians 4:4-5 when he says, “God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.” Today’s chapter presents a frequent theme of the Bible; God’s generosity rejected by humanity, and God responding with more generosity.

We can still create conflict between ourselves and God and between ourselves and others when we reject God’s generosity. I’m thankful God loves me despite my failings!