Genesis 3
This verse is full of themes – temptation, guilt, blame shifting, consequences, and God’s unconditional love. In the end, God still protects Adam and Eve despite their disobedience. It’s evident in the way He dresses them and shields them from an immortal life of brokenness.
Summary
The snake persuaded Eve to the eat the apple from the tree that gives knowledge of good and evil. Eve gave into temptation to eat the beautiful fruit after the snake convinced her that God just did not want her and Adam to be like him. Eve gave the apple to Adam, and they both realized they were naked. They used fig leaves to cover themselves. God came into the garden later looking for Adam and Eve. They hid from him but came out and admitted to being afraid because they ate from the forbidden tree. Adam blamed Eve, and Eve blamed the snake. The Lord was disappointed and cursed the snake. The Lord doled out consequences to Adam and Eve. Adam would have to work hard for food, and Eve would suffer pain during childbirth. God took mercy on them by providing them with clothes. He also forced the man out of the garden of Eden and protected the tree of life. God did not want Adam and Eve to eat from the tree of life and live forever, now that they understood the difference between good and evil.
Sidebar
Do you believe that ignorance is bliss? It’s the notion that a person who is unaware of a problem does not need to worry about it. It’s essentially the kind of existence we try to provide for our babies. I think of how when Adam and Eve realized they were naked, they immediately wanted to clothe themselves. Prior to that, they walked around the garden naked, much like a toddler running around the house naked after her bath. Its endearing and sweet that they have no shame in their nakedness. Its innocent. Genesis 2:25 specifically addresses that Adam and Eve had no shame in their nudity, and now we understand that important highlight. Because in Genesis 3, we see how evil corrupts innocence. Once Adam and Eve understood the difference between good and evil, their innocence was gone. Unfortunately, the same goes for babies. As parents, we need to teach our children the difference between right and wrong, and with more growth and experiences, the innocence diminishes. It’s a sad notion, but this is the world we live in. In certain circumstances, ignorance can be bliss, e.g., not checking comments on your social media, avoiding the local news for a week, not taking work calls when on vacation. But knowledge can lead to happiness too. To be educated and enlightened can help people make informed decisions, solve problems, and achieve their goals. In our world, ignorance does not always lead to bliss. In our world, knowledge is power.
Intention
Seek opportunities for personal growth. Find ways to continuously learn and grow. Don’t shy away from challenges and remain open to learning new things through all experiences.
