In the beginning, God created heaven and earth, all of the creatures on the earth, in the sea and in the sky. He created man to tend to the Garden of Eden. The only thing that was forbidden was the fruit of the tree of knowledge. In time, God created a helper for the man - a woman to be his wife, united with him, of one flesh. The woman succumbed to temptation in pursuit of wisdom, and she ate the fruit of the tree of knowledge. She then shared in this sin with her husband.And then they hid themselves from God.
When God asked for an explanation, he said, "She did it!" and she said, "The serpent did it!" Neither owned the blame, but they were quick to point the finger of fault at someone (or something) else.
Then God assigned retribution: the serpent was condemned to crawl on its belly, eating dirt, forever an enemy of man. To the woman he said, "I will greatly increase your pains in childbearing; with pain you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you." And man was condemned to a life of labor. Then God clothed Adam and Eve and because of their wisdom he sent them from the Garden of Eden to prevent them from eating of the tree of life (which would have made them immortal).Isn't it interesting that immortality was not forbidden as long we relied on God for all things? But with wisdom comes great responsibility. We must develop a discerning heart. Solomon was greatly rewarded for his quest for wisdom.
God is the source of all wisdom. Wisdom should be our lifelong pursuit. Not the wisdom of the world, but the wisdom of God. Wisdom and knowledge should not separate us from God! We should be brought closer through our pursuit.
Doxology
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!
How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out!
"Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor?"
"Who has ever given to God, that God should repay him?"
For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever!
Amen. (Romans 11:33-36)
2 comments:
Love that first tree photo.
Some awesome writing since you returned, ygw.
I spent the morning in mini-retreat with team members for an ACTS retreat. Very nice.
I'm pooped now. Been preparing for a group of teens to visit tomorrow afternoon. Consider that a prayer request. chkl.
Barbara
@ Barbara, You have been in my prayers. I'm finally feeling "right side up" after my trip to the other side of the world. Hosting teens is about as exhausting. ;)
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