What Happened?

What Happened?

Genesis 6: Now it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, ² that the sons of God saw the daughters of men, that they were beautiful; and they took wives for themselves of all whom they chose.

 

³ And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not strive with man forever, for he is indeed flesh; yet his days shall be one hundred and twenty years.” ⁴ There were giants on the earth in those days, and also afterward, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men and they bore children to them. Those were the mighty men who were of old, men of renown.

 

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At this point there were a lot of humans on the earth. Two distinct paths were identified, those who called out to the LORD and those who did not. All humans were born with a sin nature, so sin was now a preference. When Satan was thrown out of heaven, I believe he tried to ruin humans to avoid a sentence written on a holy scroll that only a perfect human could open.

 

When he was thrown out, he had convinced a third of the angels that he should be GOD. These angels were also thrown out and on earth they raped human women versus taking a vow before GOD to be a husband.

 

My Observations:

• Woman was made extremely special because only through this being can creation of life happen.
• Even the angels desired women for their own.
• Demons are very hard to explain, but their desires are not GOD’s desires.

 

Talk about a rabbit hole! Many questions can arise about angels, demons and GOD from this set of verses. BUT GOD was explaining “what happened” versus why. Evil beings raped women and giants were born. The end. This is what GOD revealed.

 

Challenge

• In reference to JESUS, why does GOD tell Moses about demons raping women?
• Have you ever served an angel without knowing it?
• Will you be hospitable to anyone, male or female, not knowing if you are entertaining a being sent by GOD?

End of the Line

End of the Line

Genesis 5: ³² And Noah was five hundred years old, and Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth.

 

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Nine generations from Adam, Noah arrives on the scene. “And Noah” indicates to me, that this list is now complete and something else is about to happen. Thousands of years had passed and now the world was populated in two distinct ways, those who called to the LORD and those who did not. Satan thought he won by making all humans sin. But he did not know JESUS had a plan.

 

My Observations:

• GOD preserved the lineage of CHRIST by walking with people, never leaving them alone.
• Noah had three sons after he was five hundred years old.
• GOD’s plan of redemption included Noah’s family.

 

Seeing the plan of redemption makes the list of people more understandable. GOD seemed to want us to know why HE cursed creation in the first place. Not that HE needed to explain things to us. HE revealed the pride of Satan, his lies and deceit and the affects they had on mankind.

 

GOD graciously used the best of the worst to save humans and provide eternal life. When I say “worst” I mean, there is no human without sin, not one. Even our best efforts have sin in them.  We were born with it. But some will “cry out to the LORD” asking for help with the sin nature caused by Satan. Noah is the beginning of that story.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD end the genealogy dictated to Moses with Noah?
• Where are you with your walk with GOD?
• Are you being distracted into fear causing you to overthink GOD’s love for you today?

Supposed To Be

Supposed To Be

Genesis 5: ²⁸ Lamech lived one hundred and eighty-two years, and had a son. ²⁹ And he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the Lord has cursed.” ³⁰ After he begot Noah, Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years, and had sons and daughters. ³¹ So all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years; and he died.

 

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Seeing the Garden of Eden guarded by the cherubim was a constant reminder that humans had messed up royally! For eight generations, people cried out to the LORD because of stories they heard that were passed down from Adam. He may have said “When we were in the garden, the plants would plant themselves and didn’t have to be watered. There was plenty and the animals did not attack us.”

 

Lamech heard these stories of how it was supposed to be and may have had a conversation with the LORD, who gave him the prophecy of deliverance through his son Noah.

My Observations:

• Lamech must have been respectful as he possibly questioned the LORD about the way things were supposed to be.
• Lamech acknowledged GOD’s curse and wanted something better for all people.
• GOD may have answered Lamech by telling him the world would be forever changed through his son Noah.

 

For five hundred and ninety-five years, Noah’s siblings heard Lamech speak prophetic words. This was probably very challenging for them. “Noah is going to comfort us” were supposed to be words of encouragement, but instead the siblings may have seen this as a problem. They would not join Noah in the prophecy spoken about him.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about what was said?
• Has GOD said something special to you and it has not happened yet?
• Will you remain encouraged, knowing GOD keeps all of HIS promises and will deliver you HIS way and in HIS time?

Longest Life

Longest Life

Genesis 5: ²⁵ Methuselah lived one hundred and eighty-seven years, and begot Lamech. ²⁶ After he begot Lamech, Methuselah lived seven hundred and eighty-two years, and had sons and daughters. ²⁷ So all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years; and he died.

 

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“You are as old as Methuselah” people would say as a reference to being very, very old. Methuselah lived to a ripe old age of nine hundred and sixty-nine years. His father was taken by GOD at three hundred and sixty-five years of age.

 

My Observations:

• To be on this list, I believe these people all walked with the LORD.
• Methuselah walked with the LORD the longest.
• Methuselah saw his father’s excitement for the LORD and may have been influenced to pass this excitement on to his family.

 

By the time Methuselah died, the population had grown significantly. But somehow GOD spent time with Methuselah and other people. Methuselah did the same as seven generations before him by calling on the name of the LORD.

 

His long life may have been the pattern for a commandment that would be later given to Moses, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.”

 

Challenge

• Do you think GOD told Methuselah about taking HIS father?
• Are you worried about your life and about how you will make it tomorrow?
• Have you considered placing your life in GOD’s hands so HE can manage it better than you think?

Valued Relationship

Valued Relationship

Genesis 5: ²¹ Enoch lived sixty-five years, and begot Methuselah. ²² After he begot Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years, and had sons and daughters. ²³ So all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. ²⁴ And Enoch walked with God; and he was not, for God took him.

 

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Six generations lived before Enoch was born. Adam, Seth, Enosh, Cainan, Mahalalel, and Jared. Hundreds of years passed. The garden was still there in plain sight with the angel guarding the entrance. Death was the sentence for all humans because Adam disobeyed GD’s instructions by eating from HIS tree instead of the millions of trees GOD had given humans. But humans began to pray by “calling on the name of the LORD.”

 

My Observations:

• Human mistakes can be overcome by calling on the name of the LORD.
• Walking with the LORD is special to HIM.
• GOD got so excited about Enoch, that HE spared him from death.

 

Okay, I am incredibly curious about what Enoch said and did. His conversations with JESUS must have been so exciting that HE took Enoch to heaven. Enoch would no longer have to walk on the cursed earth. He lived the shortest in this lineage so far, but actually lived the longest, because he never died.

 

I believe it was JESUS who walked with Enoch for three hundred years. They probably had exciting conversations that had nothing to do with punishment, good or bad offerings or needs. It was a valued relationship between Enoch and GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention that he took Enoch to Moses?
• Have you ever seen special treatment?
• Do you have a special relationship with GOD that excites HIM?

Five Generations

Five Generations

Genesis 5: ⁶ Seth lived one hundred and five years, and begot Enosh. ⁷ After he begot Enosh, Seth lived eight hundred and seven years, and had sons and daughters. ⁸ So all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years; and he died.

 

⁹ Enosh lived ninety years, and begot Cainan. ¹⁰ After he begot Cainan, Enosh lived eight hundred and fifteen years, and had sons and daughters. ¹¹ So all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years; and he died.

 

¹² Cainan lived seventy years, and begot Mahalalel. ¹³ After he begot Mahalalel, Cainan lived eight hundred and forty years, and had sons and daughters. ¹⁴ So all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years; and he died.

 

¹⁵ Mahalalel lived sixty-five years, and begot Jared. ¹⁶ After he begot Jared, Mahalalel lived eight hundred and thirty years, and had sons and daughters. ¹⁷ So all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years; and he died.

 

¹⁸ Jared lived one hundred and sixty-two years, and begot Enoch. ¹⁹ After he begot Enoch, Jared lived eight hundred years, and had sons and daughters. ²⁰ So all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years; and he died.

 

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Out of all their siblings, these five were singled out. Why? I believe that these people stayed with the LORD, and because they did so, they had a long life and they were mentioned in the lineage of JESUS.

 

The world was steadily getting populated. Five generations had passed and each of their families stayed firm with the LORD. How do I know this? Because of the story of Enoch who will come next.

 

My Observations:

• GOD did not mention any of their trades or accomplishments.
• GOD did not mention any special gifts or talents given to each of these men.
• GOD did mention their name and how long they lived.

 

Looking at this list from the perspective that JESUS would be born through this line of people, helps me understand redemption a little more. GOD planned for us to be sinless. But when sin entered the world, something had to be done. A sinless human had to come from Adam versus being created.

 

It was not strange to see spiritual JESUS, walking in the garden or with the people who inhabited the earth. Some may think it was the FATHER who walked amongst the people. Could be. But I believe it was JESUS HIMSELF who cared for HIS people from the beginning since HE created us.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD specifically list these people to Moses?
• Are you the first generation who believed in JESUS in your family?
• Will you take care in passing down belief in JESUS just as much as you want to pass down money?

Beginning of a Lineage

Beginning of a Lineage

Genesis 5: This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. ² He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created. ³ And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. ⁴ After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters. ⁵ So all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years; and he died.

 

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After explaining there were two distinct paths in humanity, one path is spelled out. While the term “genealogy” is used, it really isn’t a family tree that shows a parental structure leading back to all ancestors. Instead, this was the lineage of salvation that could be traced all the way back to where the first person made the mistake.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made man and woman in the “likeness of GOD.”
• Adam sinned, brought on GOD’s curse, had two sons, one murdered the other, and then had another son named Seth.
• Seth had siblings, but only he was the beginning of the lineage of JESUS.

 

At first I wondered why the other people were not named. But then it hit me. This book is not about humans, but it is about JESUS. The lineage of CHRIST was preserved and could be traced back to the first sinner, Adam.

 

GOD the FATHER, GOD the SON and GOD the HOLY SPIRIT, always existed. I cannot explain this. BUT GOD, three in one, revealed what I need to have a healed relationship with HIM. I believe it was JESUS who interacted with the humans HE created. I also believe the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT interacted with humans in the Old Testament. This lineage is the beginning of redemption.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Seth?
• Have you ever done a family tree?
• Will you read the Bible from a redemption perspective to know the heart of GOD today?

Closer to the Garden

Closer to the Garden

Genesis 4: ²⁵ And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and named him Seth, “For God has appointed another seed for me instead of Abel, whom Cain killed.” ²⁶ And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.

 

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With paradise lost, grief filled the land. Adam and Eve may have stayed near the garden in hopes that maybe it would be reopened. But the cherubim that GOD placed in front of the entrance would not budge. To top it all off, their son killed their other son. Years passed and Adam and Eve had another son.

 

My Observations:

• GOD had another path to HIS salvation.
• GOD chose sinners to execute HIS plan.
• Anyone who calls on the name of the LORD will not be put to shame.

 

Cain’s family left GOD and became extremely resourceful. On the other hand, Adam and Eve’s family acknowledged GOD by saying “GOD has appointed another seed.” Two paths were being defined in humanity. One that would follow human accomplishments, and one who would worship GOD, asking for help at every turn.

 

No curse was placed on Seth, rather the announcement of his birth was significant. It’s not that his siblings were insignificant, rather Seth’s birth would contain the family from which JESUS would choose to come in the form of a human. Although I believe it was JESUS who walked in the garden, I also believe JESUS was born through a line of humans.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about Adam’s statement?
• Have you ever been curious about your family tree?
• Have you considered how special you are to GOD?

Further From the Garden

Further From the Garden

 

Genesis 4: ¹⁹ Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one was Adah, and the name of the second was Zillah. ²⁰ And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. ²¹ His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. ²² And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.

²³ Then Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech!
For I have killed a man for wounding me,
Even a young man for hurting me.
²⁴ If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold,
Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

 

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GOD created the heaven and the earth for humans. But when Satan rose up with pride to try to become GOD, he was thrown out of heaven. He had a quest to take over humans, so he tempted the first to sin, Now all humans born would have a sin nature. Their son Cain ended up killing his own brother over jealousy and insecurity.

 

Cain was extremely intelligent and built a city. He had a son named Lamech. This was a very resourceful family who never once consulted GOD, but was given a vast amount of intelligence.

 

My Observations:

• Industries were born to support being away from GOD.
• Human needs, mixed with rage and lawlessness caused people to want to take from each other.
• Rage, greed, and lust caused a set of humans to move further away from GOD’s original intent of a peaceful existence in the garden.

 

Various industries were born out of necessity from being banned from the Garden of Eden and from being cursed even further from growing vegetables. Housing, livestock, music, education, and metalworking were just a few industries now needed to sustain life without GOD. Even though they were using GOD’s created materials, they never consulted GOD or asked for forgiveness.

 

Soon other people intermarried and more and more selfish people existed. They learned to survive by harming each other. Killing was now a thing. Doing things without GOD was also now a thing. Human measures of success would now rule. JESUS knew this would happen and was prepared to die for the sins of those who “would” ask for forgiveness.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about a conversation between Lamech, Adah and Zillah?
• Have you ever got tired of waiting on GOD and done some things on your own?
• What plans have you put in place to keep yourself from leaving GOD this time?

Rough Path Defined

Rough Path Defined

Genesis 4: ¹⁶ Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden. ¹⁷ And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son—Enoch. ¹⁸ To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.

 

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After Cain murdered his brother, he asked JESUS if he could be spared being murdered by people. At that time, there was only him, his brother and his parents. But years later, Adam and Eve had sons and daughters. I can’t spare the creepy factor, but Cain eventually married a sister. He no longer could build a replica of the garden of Eden because GOD cursed his ability to grow anything.

 

My Observations:

• GOD may have provided Cain’s genealogy to show how much grace HE had on someone who harmed HIS people.
• Cain was a genius, just like his mother and father, so he was able to build a city.
• Cain never asked for forgiveness for anything he had done.

 

Cain was blinded by activity that humans would call successful. He stayed alive, built an entire city, had a family and overcame obstacles. Sounds successful to me! BUT GOD had a different story. Cain “went out from the presence of the LORD.” He may have been unruly and did not want to be corrected or chastised for any of his actions.

 

Cain is the first example of a human leaving GOD to accomplish much, but in the end losing everything. Without GOD, Cain use the natural laws of science to do, what humans would consider, great things. But he was never reconciled with GOD and eventually would lose his life and be labeled as a fugitive and a vagabond all of his life, in spite of GOD’s grace.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Cain’s incomplete genealogy?
• Have you ever done something wrong and hid it in your heart, thinking no one should know about “this” otherwise you would experience great shame and possibly lose “everything?”
• Can you examine yourself and confess your hidden sin to GOD so HE can restore you HIS way today?

 

Murder is Bad

 

Murder is Bad

Genesis 4: ¹⁰ And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. ¹¹ So now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. ¹² When you till the ground, it shall no longer yield its strength to you. A fugitive and a vagabond you shall be on the earth.”

 

¹³ And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear! ¹⁴ Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me.”

 

¹⁵ And the Lord said to him,  “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.

 

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After GOD said “It is very good”, humans chose opposite of what was good. GOD made a peaceful existence with only a few things to do for humans, namely be fruitful, multiply, name animals and tend to the garden. That was it. Satan disrupted this easy, harmonious lifestyle, causing humans to be thrown from paradise.

 

Cain, seeing paradise off in the distance, may have wanted to build his own. But after being corrected for his offering, Cain became jealous and unstable. He killed Abel, his brother and tried to hide it. But the ground told JESUS.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS knew Cain killed his brother Abel.
• JESUS explained to Cain, that murder is bad and he would have to be punished.
• JESUS was still graceful and granted Cain a request of protection.

 

Cain shows me just how far humans can fall and how fast. From correction to stewing to rage to murder, Cain went down a path caused by his own selfishness and possibly insecurities. “What about me?” was his question, never once saying he was sorry for what he did.

 

What a mess, was my first thought, but then I had to ask “What am I to learn from this?” I can see that sin can lead me on a path that can cause me to hurt myself and other people. I have to set my mind on the truths of GOD rather than following the rumors of my heart.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about this conversation in detail?
• Have you ever disliked someone so much that you stewed over him or her and talked about him or her with no peace in sight?
• Can you release the person or people you dislike so it will not turn into hatred, causing you to sin?

Free Will Obtained

Free Will Obtained

Genesis 4: ⁸ Now Cain^]talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

⁹ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?”

He said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

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GOD created the heavens and the earth with love in mind. When HE created the garden of Eden, HE made a special place for HIM to have an everlasting relationship with HIS creation. But Satan had another plan that would ruin humans. When Adam and Eve were fooled into sinning, they had a choice, but did not choose wisely.

 

Now Cain was furious at being rejected by JESUS. He was also jealous that his brother’s offering to JESUS was accepted. If Cain were an only child, there still would have been a problem between JESUS and Cain. But he wasn’t an only child. He killed his brother.

 

My Observations:

• Cain did not learn murder from anyone.
• Cain allowed anger to turn into hatred which made him commit murder.
• Cain probably stewed over the offering situation and became enraged during the conversation with Abel, which led him to murder.

 

I can only imagine the conversation between Cain and Abel. Cain, full of blame, may have asked questions as to why Abel showed him up when it came to the offering. Or maybe he tried to convince Abel to help him build the garden and to stop following JESUS. GOD did not reveal the conversation. But HE did reveal the outcome, namely murder.

I believe it was JESUS who asked Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” JESUS knew what had happened, but Cain lied. And on top of the lie, he gave a sarcastic remark about responsibilities. “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  could have been a reply referring to not being a shepherd. This was the first rejection of JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the conversation between Cain and Abel?
• Have you ever argued about free will in a convenient way that fights against its existence?
• Will you recognize that GOD’s love will not stop you from sinning, rather that JESUS died for your sins and was raised from the dead to forgive you if you believe you need to be forgiven?

Warning Signs

Warning Signs

Genesis 4: ⁶ So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? ⁷ If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

 

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GOD made everything and said it was “very good.” I believe Satan introduced sin to Adam and Eve to ruin all humans, preventing a perfect human from opening the scroll that held HIS sentence. Adam and Eve fell for his lie and were thrown out of the garden. They had children, Cain and Abel. Both kids had a sin nature, but one chose to ignore it and one did not.

 

My Observations:

• Cain was warned about letting his anger turn into sin.
• Anger or lower moods can cause me to be open to sin.
• JESUS used “door” for the first time, implying that conditions were changed enough for humans to now need shelter, and that an entryway to the heart would be like an entryway to a home.

 

I believe JESUS gave Cain a warning just like HE gives you and me through the HOLY SPIRIT. JESUS warns Cain that his anger could cause him to sin and that sin would take over his heart. HE also says that Cain could “rule over it”, giving him a choice. HE even said “If you do well, will you not be accepted?”

 

So far humans were not doing so well in the choice department. Easily fooled, all humans were doomed to death. Fortunately for us, JESUS knows that we are like sheep needing a shepherd.  We don’t make good choices, yet GOD loves us anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation?
• Have you ever thought about the path you take to sin in your life?
• Have you considered asking GOD to raise your mood and for HIM to place you back on HIS path today?

Motive

Motive

Genesis 4: Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have acquired a man from the Lord.” ² Then she bore again, this time his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. ³ And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. ⁴ Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, ⁵ but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell.

 

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With the garden still there in plain sight, Adam and Eve finally stopped crying. Adam was now proficient in tilling the soil to grow vegetables, but the animals that used to be friendly, may have become a nuisance. The animal that was slain for their clothes was probably cooked and eaten. Death of animals had become a norm.

 

Adam “knew” Eve, meaning they had procreation sex. Eve, feeling dejected, praised GOD and said Cain was from the LORD. Despite the pain of childbirth, Eve had another child named Abel. Cain may have been close to his parents and shared in their regrets. “Why can’t we go in the garden?” may have been on his mind.

 

My Observations:

• Cain was a blessing from GOD to Eve.
• Abel was also a blessing, but he may have understood that the family deserved to be banished, so he mimicked JESUS by killing his best, friendliest animal and giving it to HIM.
• Cain may have seen the hurt from his parents and decided to build his own garden, and his attempt to show JESUS what he had done was rejected.

 

Motive is the fuel for some very good things or some very bad things to happen. It wasn’t the fact that GOD didn’t like vegetables, or that HE needed an offering. It was the motive behind the offering that became a problem.

 

GOD is GOD. HE is just, and sovereign. But sometimes when things are not going “My” way, makes me see GOD as a problem. Or maybe it’s the people who are the problem. Instead of blame, GOD wants the motive to be checked.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about Cain’s efforts and offering to Moses?
• Have you ever done something for GOD with the wrong motive?
• Are you willing to examine your motives to determine if they point to GOD or yourself?

Strange Graceful Conversation

Strange Graceful Conversation

Genesis 3: ²⁰ And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living.

²¹ Also for Adam and his wife the Lord God made tunics of skin, and clothed them.

²² Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil. And now, lest he put out his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever”— ²³ therefore the Lord God sent him out of the garden of Eden to till the ground from which he was taken. ²⁴ So He drove out the man; and He placed cherubim at the east of the garden of Eden, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.

 

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After creating a place that had everything and people who could enjoy it, Satan tempted humans to sin, possibly to avoid the sealed up sentence of his demise. He was sentenced anyway but so was the man and woman. The ground would no longer respond the same and the garden was off limits to humans. The trees that brought life and knowledge were off limits. This portal to heaven was closed off.

 

My Observations:

• JESUS held a conversation with the FATHER and the HOLY SPIRIT saying “Behold, the man has become like one of US.”
• JESUS sacrificed an animal to make clothes for the man and woman.
• JESUS drove them out of the garden and placed a cherubim, or a guardian angel, in the way of the entrance.

 

It seems harsh at first glance that humans had to leave the garden. BUT GOD could have immediately intensified the punishment with immediate death. BUT HE didn’t. Instead, HE showed grace by hiding their nakedness and providing, only in a way that would be more difficult.

 

The land would need more attention outside the garden. Humans would be different too. Knowledge of good and evil would prove to be a problem because now there was a war inside of every human ever born. This war is called free will. Choice between GOD’s way versus being GOD became the battle. Fortunately JESUS saw this and knew what HE was going to do.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about this conversation?
• Can you see the grace that HE showed to HIS creation, even thought the stakes were extremely high?
• Can you look back on your life to see where GOD has shown you incredible undeserved grace?

Broken Perspective

Broken Perspective

Genesis 3: ¹⁷ Then to Adam He said, “Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, ‘You shall not eat of it’:

“Cursed is the ground for your sake;
In toil you shall eat of it
All the days of your life.
¹⁸ Both thorns and thistles it shall bring forth for you,
And you shall eat the herb of the field.
¹⁹ In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread
Till you return to the ground,
For out of it you were taken;
For dust you are,
And to dust you shall return.”

 

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Wow! Satan, the serpent, received his sentence and so did “the woman”, who at this point was nameless. But now it was Adam’s turn. Satan and the woman were there listening.

 

My Observations:

• GOD implied to Adam that he could have said “No.”
• GOD cursed the planet, heavens or sky, and other planets.
• GOD broke what was perfect and made it difficult.

 

No matter how hard we try, heaven on earth is impossible. GOD’s garden was amazing. Self-watering plants, no death, no problems. But after the curse, the planet would not act the same. Fruit would be planted and weeds would sprout instead. The animals would get more and more fierce because of lack of food.

 

Territories would be carved out to get food. Some places would grow food better than others. Shelter would be needed for the first time and so would clothing. Rain would be needed for the first time but would not come until much later. Lastly, death would happen, just as GOD said. Nothing would be the same until JESUS fixes everything.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses about the curse caused by Adam?
• Have you ever felt that things are sometimes good and sometimes not so good?
• Can you set your eyes on GOD so HE can give you the right perspective to endure the difficulties of life today?

Bound Until Freed

Bound Until Freed

Genesis 3: ¹⁶ To the woman He said:

“I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception;
In pain you shall bring forth children;
Your desire shall be for your husband,
And he shall rule over you.”

 

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What a mess Satan caused. GOD had created a place and people and said “it is very good!” Satan, wanting to be GOD, was thrown from heaven to earth. He tempted the woman by lying and questioning GOD. Unfortunately, she fell for it. She was comparable in intelligence to Adam, and could have said “No” to Satan. But her curiosity got the best of her.

 

My Observations:

• GOD introduced sorrow into the woman’s life.
• GOD introduced pain in childbirth.
• GOD introduced inequity, inequality and bondage.

 

From the time of the garden to the raising of JESUS, inequality ruled the world, and still does to this very day. This is a curse that causes many battles over hierarchy. The fight for who should rule would be one that could not be solved by humans, only GOD. Satan and Adam were standing there during this curse.

 

GOD sees HIS child, not a man or a woman when HE looks at us. HE expects men and women to bow down to JESUS to restore equality. But the curse goes deeper that inequality. Pain and anguish was introduced in childbirth. Not only physically, but pain caused by tyrants who desired power and would execute children to remain in power. Conflict was introduced with only one way out, namely JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention the curse of the woman to Moses?
• Have you ever questioned GOD about the inequality that exists in the world over gender, race or age?
• Will you become part of the equality solution by placing your hope in JESUS today?

Redemption Foretold

Redemption Foretold

Genesis 3: ¹⁴ So the Lord God said to the serpent:

“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And you shall eat dust
All the days of your life.
¹⁵ And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”

 

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Desperate act of Satan to make humans imperfect seemed to work, but it didn’t! Satan really, really wanted to be GOD. I believe that his plan was to ruin Adam, Eve and any children they had. All humans would come from this couple. Satan could not create a human, so he figured he would steal them from GOD. Big mistake!

 

My Observations:

• GOD told Satan that HE was going to curse everything, but he was “more cursed” than any living being.
• GOD told Satan that his plan did not work, but it did hurt, so HIS heal would be bruised.
• GOD told Satan that HE was going to kick him in the head and there was nothing Satan could do about it!

 

This may sound like a slap on the wrist, but it was not. The “seed” of Adam had been ruined. Any child that was born, would now have the nature of Satan, otherwise known as a sin nature. It would be natural to not want what GOD wants. BUT JESUS told Satan, this plan did not work!

 

HE foretold a miraculous birth that would deal a crushing blow to Satan. “I will die for the humans”, I believe is the bruise on the heel of CHRIST. But you, Satan, will be kicked in the head, I believe was JESUS saying “I’m going to open the scrolls and you ARE going to hell, just as it was written.” “Your plan did not work, AND, you will pay for this.”

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the curse of the serpent first?
• Have you ever wondered what makes you do things that are not pleasing to GOD and you know they are not pleasing?
• Are you willing to give the part of you that rebels against GOD to HIM, so HE can guide you to HIS path today?

First Actions. First Questions.

First Actions. First Questions.

Genesis 3: ⁸ And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

⁹ Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?”

¹⁰ So he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself.”

¹¹ And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?”

¹² Then the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I ate.”

¹³ And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this you have done?”

The woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.”

 

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Now the man and woman were spiritually awake, but in a bad way. They knew they had made a huge mistake and the first thing they did was hide. I feel like doing that too when I made mistakes. They hid their nakedness and then they thought they could hide from GOD.

 

My Observations:

• GOD is all knowing, all seeing and is everywhere.
• GOD knew where Adam was, yet HE asked a question so Adam could understand.
• GOD knew what happened, yet HE asked the woman a question, maybe to take responsibility.

 

Personally, I believe this was JESUS in the garden. HE knew HIS creation had fallen and knew HE was the answer for the huge problem Adam and Eve had caused. The first actions from Adam and Eve seemed so futile. Innocent people trying to develop a coverup with no plan, led to hiding from the one who could solve the problem.

 

Instead of asking for help, the first blame came out. “It was YOUR fault for giving me the woman who gave me the fruit from YOUR tree” it could read. Or “The devil made me do it.” BUT GOD handled it graciously. HE never accused them of doing wrong because they knew and so did HE. JESUS knew what HE had to do. HE had to die and be raised from the dead to repair the fall.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses this conversation?
• Have you ever messed up and tried to cover it up?
• Have you tried owning up to what you did wrong by uncovering “that” secret so GOD can heal you?

Spiritual Awakening

Spiritual Awakening

Genesis 3: ⁶ So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was ^]pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. ⁷ Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

 

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Belief in the lie Satan told and implied and inferred, caused the woman to innocently want more than she already had. She wanted to be “wise.” She did not know what she was missing, but, for some reason, felt she was missing something. The lie worked! Her husband was right there. He too was curious about what would happen. He had never seen death and probably wondered what it was.

 

My Observations:

• Both man and woman could physically see so the “eyes” here are spiritual eyes that provides awareness.
• Shame seemed to be the first thing they experienced when they became aware.
• Everything became different from both of their perspectives.

 

Feeling inadequate or different or ashamed came from something seemingly innocent, namely eating. Humans compare sins like murder, adultery, or lying and label them as “big” sins. But eating something from GOD’s tree took down all of humanity! One bite doomed all humans to death. Satan had won, or so he thought. He didn’t know that GOD had already made a plan for the fall.

 

GOD never changed in the situation. HE was still GOD, but now the relationship with HIS creation was spiritually different. They would now see HIM as someone to question or blame or doubt. No longer was anything HE made,  “good” enough. They would try to make their own solutions to problems that did not exist.  Fortunately GOD knew how to fix this.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD went into detail to Moses, regarding the woman’s desire to be “wise?”
• Have you ever wanted something that was possibly not good for you, yet you wanted it more and more?
• Will you give your desires to GOD and ask HIM to align them to HIS will today?

Anatomy of a Lie

Anatomy of a Lie

Genesis 3: Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”

² And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; ³ but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’ ”

⁴ Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. ⁵ For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

 

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Harmony existed between GOD, man and woman. GOD had HIS two trees, man and woman had their millions of trees. GOD could eat from HIS trees, man and woman and animals could eat from an endless variety. Satan, took the form of a serpent, probably to hide from being seen. He did not approach the man, rather he approached the woman.

 

My Observations:

• Satan started his lie by questioning GOD in a way that creates doubt.
• Eve, added words to what was told to her.
• Satan capitalized on her misunderstanding by telling her something that was not true.

 

Let me start off by saying that GOD has not revealed all that HE is to humans. I have to go to the end mankind to explain the beginning of the fall. In the end, Satan “was” sentenced to eternal death and GOD sealed up his fate in a scroll that could only be opened by a sinless human. Satan was thrown out of heaven to earth.

 

I believe this is where our story picks up. Satan wanted to ruin “all” humans, starting with the first. His plan probably included staying around the garden and controlling the humans with lies. This is not written, but fits the way Satan operates. Satan’s entire motive was to “be” GOD and to take over. If he could get the humans to fall, then he would accomplish getting all humans!

 

Challenge:

• Why does GOD clarify the conversation between Eve and Satan to Moses?
• Have you ever wanted something so badly that you were willing to lie?
• Are you being lied to regarding your worth, or if GOD loves you?

From One to One

From One to One

Genesis 2: ²¹ And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept; and He took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh in its place. ²² Then the rib which the Lord God had taken from man He made into a woman, and He brought her to the man.

²³ And Adam said:

“This is now bone of my bones
And flesh of my flesh;
She shall be called Woman,
Because she was taken out of Man.”

²⁴ Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.

²⁵ And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed.

 

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Permanence is what I think of when I read this passage. When GOD made Adam, HE fashioned his ribcage with twenty-four ribs. To get that rib, GOD had to surgically remove it, so HE put Adam into a deep sleep. HE then closed up the flesh as if nothing happened.

 

My Observations:

• GOD planned a special creation for man and woman.
• GOD may have also planned multiple races when HE made humans.
• GOD used the material that was created from HIS breath to create woman.

 

All of the beasts, insects and creeping things were made from the earth. So was Adam. But the woman was created special. Equally intelligent, yet different in anatomy. GOD made a wife for Adam. Now he had someone “comparable” to him. A helper.

 

I can’t help thinking that Moses interjects with an observation. An out of place statement leads me to believe that Moses had an “aha” moment as if to say, “Oh, that’s why a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife and they become one flesh.” Because GOD had one bone to make a second person, but they would be able to join together sexually, as well as work together in harmony, tending to the garden and naming the animals.

 

There was perfect harmony when the woman was made. Both were naked and shame was unknown. No disease. No problems. Just GOD, man and woman.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses the quote from Adam?
• Have you ever dreamed of a time when there was perfect harmony?
• What does harmony amongst humans and GOD look like to you?

 

Problem Defined

Problem Defined

Genesis 2: ¹⁸ And the Lord God said, “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.” ¹⁹ Out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every bird of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called each living creature, that was its name. ²⁰ So Adam gave names to all cattle, to the birds of the air, and to every beast of the field. But for Adam there was not found a helper comparable to him.

 

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During the creation, GOD saw a problem. Man was alone. All of the animals, birds and fish were brought to the man to see what he would call them. But nothing in all of creation was a suitable helper “comparable to him.”

 

My Observations:

• GOD saw a problem that HIS creation would be lonely even though HE was with the creation.
• GOD said. For the first time, “It is not good.”
• GOD wanted the best for HIS creation, so HE decided to make a “helper comparable to him.”

 

For the first time we see the name Adam mentioned. He was made with extreme intelligence and creativity. GOD made all the animals, birds and fish, but Adam named all of them. He did not need the tree of knowledge of good and evil, rather he needed some help.

 

Adam had enough on his plate, tending to the garden and naming the animals. This was not a stressful job, but a lot to do. GOD may have wanted the human to have someone to celebrate new observations and enjoy each other. Adam had plenty of time to do all that he had to do, because he was not made to die.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the first problem?
• Can you see how GOD wanted the best for HIS creation?
• Are you aware that GOD wants the best for you and HE wants you fully restored today?

Free Will Established

Free Will Established

Genesis 2: ¹⁵ Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it. ¹⁶ And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat; ¹⁷ but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”

 

After creating a perfect place with beauty that could be enjoyed forever, GOD placed man in the garden and gave him something to do. The trees would grow themselves and provide fruit. Water was plentiful so no plant suffered. There was no rot or disease or bug infestations.

 

My Observations:

• GOD gave the first human something to do for his enjoyment.
• GOD provided everything the first human could ever need.
• GOD also gave the first human a choice to obey by providing something he should not do.

 

Two trees were GOD’s and millions, if not billions of trees were for the first human. Each plant, bush, or tree would provide enough food for every animal, bird and fish. GOD probably had other conversations with the first human, but those are not recorded. HIS command, however, is recorded. HE distinctly told the first human not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. HE even gave the consequence. Death.

 

“What in the world is death?” would have been my question. GOD did not reveal the total conversation with the first human, but somehow, the message was conveyed. This was the very first command. No other rules. No sacrifice. No laws. Just eat and tend to the food provided.

 

Challenge:

• Why does GOD emphasize this command to Moses?
• Even with plenty, have you ever wanted what someone else had?
• Have you considered how much or how little you surrender yourself to GOD by choice?

Mapped Out

Mapped Out

Genesis 2: ¹⁰ Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads. ¹¹ The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one which skirts the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. ¹² And the gold of that land is good. Bdellium and the onyx stone are there. ¹³ The name of the second river is Gihon; it is the one which goes around the whole land of Cush. ¹⁴ The name of the third river is Hiddekel it is the one which goes toward the east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.

 

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Names of areas and rivers is the first thing I noticed. The great river that supplied four other rivers, had a purpose of watering the garden “in” Eden. GOD showed Moses the four rivers and told him the names. HE also showed him gold and precious stones.

 

My Observations:

• GOD made the rivers gentle enough to water the garden without destroying it.
• GOD made the rivers shallow enough for humans to walk in them without pain or fear of drowning.
• GOD made the great river flow from the area called Eden which provided life to the tree of life and the tree of knowledge of good and evil.

 

Every area was made as a gift for humans. Gentle rivers, beautiful trees, different landscapes, all provided a variety of experiences for humans. GOD was pleased to provide variety and shared precious stones with humans. The area was now complete. It was ready for humans to enjoy!

 

Challenge

• Why do you think it was important for GOD to show Moses the lay of the land?
• Have you ever traveled to other areas and seen different landscapes, trees, lakes and rivers?
• Do you look forward to GOD providing you with peace and tranquility someday?