Genesis 3 is where we find the fall, where Adam and Eve are deceived by the serpent and sin enters into God’s perfect creation and wreaks havoc. There are far reaching implications because of the fall. We are cursed and even creation is cursed (read Genesis 3:14-19). Humanity is separated from God the Father, from one another and even from nature. Things are broken and unlike they were before sin entered into the human experience.
We are cursed. We’re reminded of this daily.
Death – the message I received this morning informing me that a dear friend’s father had passed away unexpectedly last night. It isn’t supposed to be this way.
News – each new day brings more reports of death, destruction and brokenness that is beyond imagination. Today I awoke to the unfolding events in Aleppo, horrified by the thought of children being massacred and exposed to the horrors of war. It isn’t supposed to be this way.
Health and Illness – a visit to the doctor can conclude with a diagnosis that uses words like cancer, dementia, heart disease, diabetes, inoperable or terminal. It isn’t supposed to be this way.
Our Bodies – daily I’m reminded by the aches and pains and occasional limitations that my body is aging and doesn’t always do what it used to be able to do. It isn’t supposed to be this way.
Our Relationships – We don’t get along with others. Dysfunctional family systems, abusive relationships, poor communication, betrayal, abandonment and broken relationships wreak havoc on our lives. It isn’t supposed to be this way.
This little picture (notice the feet) has reminded me of the hope found in Genesis 3:15 when God cursed the serpent:
“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.” |
I need to be reminded of this today. I need to be reminded of this often. Our world needs to hear the hope we have in Christ.
In reflecting on this passage over the past week or so, I came to appreciate the third verse of Joy to the World in a fresh way.
No more let sins and sorrows grow, Nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found, Far as the curse is found, Far as, far as, the curse is found. |
Christ’s Peace,
Lance
Midwest Region Conference Seeks New Regional Director
All materials should be sent electronically to Pastor Scott Bons, MRC President and Search Committee Chairman at [email protected]. For questions or for more information you can also call Pastor Scott at (217) 820-3999.
CGGC eNews—Vol. 10, No. 51