Throughout time and throughout the world, the story of Eve is known. Eve was a very special part of God’s creation for she was created to be the ultimate partner and helpmate to Adam.
“The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.”” Genesis 2:18
Adam and Eve were perfect partners and they were provided an amazing Earthly life. They were given everything they needed in the lush Garden of Eden and they enjoyed an intimate relationship with their Creator. They were loved by their Creator who wanted only the best for them.
Perhaps when you read of her transgression you may wonder how could she have wanted more? Why did she doubt Her Creator? Why did she desire to be more than she was created to be?
Whatever the reasons, I imagine that she fully regretted her foolish choices. She was the first to sin and suffer the consequences of sin. Not only was she removed from the Garden and God’s presence there but she also had to watch her sin impact all of mankind. Because of the first sin, we are all born with a sinful nature. As women, we also share in the consequences of being a woman in a fallen world:
“To the woman he said, “I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”” Genesis 3:16
As disappointed and heartbroken as God was with Eve’s transgression, however, His love for her did not change. Her actions brought spiritual death but God’s love for humanity was so great that He was willing to provide a redemptive plan. Satan may have scored a small victory through tempting Eve but Eve was promised that through her seed, Satan would ultimately be defeated. He warned Satan:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.”” Genesis 3:15 NIV
That promise, the promise of a Savior, was made to redeem not only the sin of Adam and Eve but every sin that separates us from God as well.
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that, just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 5:19-21
God gave Eve instructions and choices. God gives us instructions and choices as well. Love is not something forced. It is always a choice. Satan knows how to tempt us and he tries to deceive us just as He did Eve in the garden so long ago. Because of our sinful nature we are born enslaved to sin and spiritually dead. But, because of Jesus and His redemptive sacrifice that pays the price of our sins, we share in all the promises that come with accepting Him as our Savior. We all have a chance to one day know the wonder of Heaven and being restored to an eternity spent in the presence of our Creator.
For Reflection:
Do you sometimes doubt God’s intentions and goodness?
Do you ever feel like God’s instructions limit you from something you desire?
Do you notice that the consequences of your sins impact the lives of others?
Do you share in the promises of knowing Jesus as your Lord and Redeemer?