God Said - Genesis 3:3-5

Seek God Together

If you appreciate this work, consider supporting it - https://www.patreon.com/seekgodtogether Today we will read Genesis 3:3-5 which says, “But about the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden, God said, ‘You must not eat it or touch it, or you will die.’” “No! You will not die” the serpent said to the woman. “In fact, God knows that when you eat it your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” Whatever you believe about the first several chapters of Genesis, this is the narrative of the fall of humanity. It’s an epic showdown between God’s image-bearers and the cunning serpent. It’s fascinating! Let’s take a look. The serpent asks Eve if God really said she couldn’t eat from any tree in the garden in a clear obfuscation of God’s command. Eve corrects him saying they must not eat from the tree in the middle of the garden. Of course she adds just a tad herself by saying they can’t even touch it. What’s interesting at this point is that the serpent doesn’t question her recall. He questions God’s intentions. “You will not die. He knows your eyes will be opened and you’ll be like God.” The accusation against God is that He isn’t honest, has ulterior motives, and is holding out on His creation. This is a strange accusation for a creature to make, but it happens everyday, even by you and me. Incredibly, the serpent was technically, and cunningly, right. They did not physically die, at least not immediately. Of course they were doomed. Cut off from God’s method of life-giving-energy - the “Tree of Life”, humans became spiritual zombies. But the real kicker is that they did in fact become like God, knowing good and evil. God Himself says so in verse 22. We will not plumb the depths here. This story has served humanity for thousands of years and so will continue. But there is a point to be made that’s often overlooked. Often I’ve heard this passage used as a weapon to enforce a particular view of scripture or of theology. To doubt a particular interpretation is to doubt God speaking. But that wasn’t Eve’s problem. She knew what God said. She got an A on her systematic theology. She knew the answer. She paid attention. So where did she go wrong? It was her belief in the character of God. You can question God’s existence, the precision of His communication, His methods, you can hurl all your complaints, doubts, cussing and cursing directly to His face, but there is no cure for doubting His motives. This can turn the most beautiful cherub into a satan and it can do the same in you and me. Either God created us for beautiful relationship or He’s holding out on us. Every creature must decide for themselves. “God once again I am rocked by Your methods. But I do believe Your intentions are far better than I could ever imagine.”