Day 21: Genesis 3:2-3
Devotional
READ GENESIS 3:2-3
I am the proud father of two little girls - one six-year-old, and one three-year-old. Naturally, now that I’m a parent, so many passages of scripture have taken on a whole new meaning for me. This one is no exception. When I read this passage, I immediately think of all the times I’ve tried to warn my girls about things or situations that could be potentially harmful. But even with the potential for harm, they will test the limits of my warnings.
In Genesis 3:2-3, Eve engaged in a conversation with the serpent and explained that God had commanded them not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden - or even touch it - or they would die.
This moment in Genesis reveals something subtle but crucial. Eve added something to God’s command that wasn’t originally there. She put words in his mouth that He didn’t originally speak. Did you catch it? God’s original instruction was to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17), but Eve expanded on His statement when she added, “nor shall you touch it.” This addition, like when we might overemphasize a warning to protect our children, reflects how easily God’s word can be misunderstood or miscommunicated.
When we add to or take away from God’s instructions, we create space for confusion and deception. In this case, the serpent used that opportunity to question God’s goodness and truth, leading to Adam and Eve’s disobedience, and ultimately, the entrance of sin and death into the world. What a poignant reminder for us to be diligent to know God’s word accurately, so that we can apply it accordingly - without adding our own interpretations that can lead us astray.
I am the proud father of two little girls - one six-year-old, and one three-year-old. Naturally, now that I’m a parent, so many passages of scripture have taken on a whole new meaning for me. This one is no exception. When I read this passage, I immediately think of all the times I’ve tried to warn my girls about things or situations that could be potentially harmful. But even with the potential for harm, they will test the limits of my warnings.
In Genesis 3:2-3, Eve engaged in a conversation with the serpent and explained that God had commanded them not to eat from the tree in the middle of the garden - or even touch it - or they would die.
This moment in Genesis reveals something subtle but crucial. Eve added something to God’s command that wasn’t originally there. She put words in his mouth that He didn’t originally speak. Did you catch it? God’s original instruction was to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil (Genesis 2:16-17), but Eve expanded on His statement when she added, “nor shall you touch it.” This addition, like when we might overemphasize a warning to protect our children, reflects how easily God’s word can be misunderstood or miscommunicated.
When we add to or take away from God’s instructions, we create space for confusion and deception. In this case, the serpent used that opportunity to question God’s goodness and truth, leading to Adam and Eve’s disobedience, and ultimately, the entrance of sin and death into the world. What a poignant reminder for us to be diligent to know God’s word accurately, so that we can apply it accordingly - without adding our own interpretations that can lead us astray.
Personal Reflection
- How does knowing God’s word fully and accurately help us resist temptation in our daily lives?
- In what areas of your life do you need to be more diligent to follow God’s instructions without adding or taking away from them?
Posted in The Beginning Devotionals
1 Comment
“Know God’s word accurately so we can apply it accordingly.” Great reminder! Thanks for the challenge to know God’s word Jason.