Day #2247

February 25, 2020 

This week’s Tuesday’s Thoughts on Scripture is based on Genesis 3:1: Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God say, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden’?" (NRSV)

This comes from the scripture about Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. All is perfect there. All is beautiful. All is available to Adam and Eve and life seems flawless. Until….the serpent asks the question that introduces suspicion, doubt, maybe even fear. Did God really say….and the rest, as they say, is history. 

Suddenly “why” has been placed in the air. Why would God want to inhibit happiness? Why would God not provide for every need? Why would God make everything available except knowledge? Why would God treat humans this way, if God really does love us? Why, why, why? 

As often happens when a question begins with why, there is a response of defensiveness. Eve answers the serpent, no, God did not say we cannot eat from any tree in the garden, just the one in the center. Of course, God loves us. Of course, God cares for and about us. Of course, unless…God doesn't. And there is doubt in all its fullness.

Doesn’t this sound just like human behavior? Can’t we just imagine ourselves there in the garden? But God, really, you do care, right?! Well...maybe just one bite won’t hurt. 

Bottomline, I am surely thankful for God’s grace and forgiveness! After all, where would we be if we were left on our own?!

Blessings.

PS And then there were pancakes. Shrove Tuesday was wonderful. Thank you, ladies, for your hard work and planning. Now we are ready for Lent!