Genesis chapter three is all about Adam and his wife messing up. They eat from that tree of knowledge of good and evil God specifically told them not to. I used to be a youth pastor and the question I have been asked a thousand times regarding this text is, 'why did God put those trees in the garden if he didn't want them to eat it?' Great question. I think the answer is simple; God loved and trusted man enough to take the risk. From the very beginning God loved us freely and invites us to do the same.
We all know the story here; Adam and his wife choose to do what God told them not to. Consequently, God issues a series of curses. What I find most interesting here is the final stipulation; expulsion. God's reasoning for banning man from the garden is to prevent him from eating of the tree of life and living forever. Could you imagine all the bad choices a person could make if she lived forever? A reading of the next portion of the Old Testament reveals a continuing separation from God, worsening as time progresses. The poison of the knowledge of evil sinks in deeper as time progresses. Limiting our lifespan was a merciful act.
Thank you, Lord, for showing mercy. Even in your own heartbreak you look out for me. Even me. Who am I, really, that you would care for me? When I make bad choices you are still loving. This is why I pray, create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me. Amen.
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