DAILY READING
Consequences
by Kim Starr
Adam and Eve ate from the tree that God told them not to eat from, hid from God, confessed what they had done, and now God is meting out his punishment. First, he punishes the serpent, then Eve, and finally, Adam. Sin has consequences.
Prior to the fall, Adam and Eve would have been immortal and their continual life, health, and residence in the Garden of Eden would have depended on their obedience to God. Their “work” was to tend the creation, be fruitful, and multiply. After the fall, God’s punishments will make their lives more difficult and painful.
Adam was supposed to have been in charge of their work and Eve was supposed to be his helper; however, now Eve was told that Adam would rule over her. After her punishment, Eve would want to control their relationship and this would lead to irritation and resentment. The fall introduced frustration into the marriage relationship. Adam was told that his punishment was pain and trouble in work. The earth would no longer easily grow food and an abundance of thorns and thistles would make his work challenging. After working so hard, Adam would die and return to the dust of the earth.
By his punishments, God makes it clear to Adam and Eve that life is going to be hard. Work is going to be demanding and exhausting. Futility will often be a result of their efforts and they will see little return for all of the hard work that they put in. Their new state is not a place of satisfaction, and paradise has clearly been lost. God is revealing that life without him is going to be empty and hopeless. Rather than simply enjoying life with God in the Garden of Eden, humanity is going to end up returning to the dust from which it came.
PRAYER
Lord, we often think of being dust and being returned to dust on Ash Wednesday. We don’t often think about why being dust is our fate. Thank you for reminding us of the consequences of Adam and Eve’s actions. Thank you also for reminding us that our best course of action is to constantly seek you, fear you, and obey your laws. Amen
For an in-depth commentary on this Bible passage, see https://www.raystedman.org/old-testament/genesis/loves-disciplines
"Paradise has been lost." Stunning words which cause me to think about how life could have been. Now, this dream takes me to Heaven, and what life will be like for those who know, love, and believe in Jesus. Thank you for this devotion and the reminder that all is not lost.