In His ImageНамуна

Day 11: The Fall

Discover: The first half of Chapter 3 includes the serpent’s temptation of Adam and Eve, followed by their decision to individually eat from the forbidden tree. Satan manipulates Eve by taking God’s command and twisting it to appear like a limitation God sets on them. Instead of acknowledging they have all but one tree at their disposal, the serpent points out that they may not eat from that specific tree. It is worth noting that this temptation has some truth in it. After they eat the fruit, their eyes are immediately open to their sin and rebellion. They feel ashamed to be naked in the presence of God. They see themselves as sinners rather than a reflection of their Creator.

Learn: In the narrative of Genesis 3, the serpent’s tempting of Eve and Adam and their rebellion against God starts a struggle between sin and holiness. This culminates in the arrival of Jesus, ultimately a descendent of Eve. Jesus’ life will one day conquer both sin and death, which is referred to as the crushing of the serpent’s head. Sin has now entered the world, and with it, shame. The first recognition of this shame is when they hide from God as he searches for them in the garden. The second instance of shame comes after God asks if they ate the fruit. Adam, instead of admitting his guilt, blames Eve to avoid the consequence of disobedience and defiance of his Creator.

Apply: Satan does what he can to undermine God’s Word. God gives Adam and Eve clear instructions about the trees, yet the serpent manipulates God's words to make Him seem unloving and restrictive. From our point of view, it is easy to spot this manipulation. But when we experience it firsthand, our blindness to our own sin can get the best of us. When faced with the enemy’s deception and manipulation, how can we maintain a foundation of truth? How can Satan’s deceit influence how we view ourselves as image bearers?