For the past few posts, I have suggested that we could imagine ourselves in a theatre, watching a play. Perhaps for some, that suggestion was even useful! However, this is no longer a play - it has turned into a horror film!
We are still in the third chapter of Genesis, but we now move into the second half of that chapter, (Remember, of course, that no part of the Bible was originally written in chapters and verses! These are a relatively recent 'invention' designed to make it easier to find a particular verse, or passage!).
The final action of the Creator, in this situation, is justice - but justice blended with mercy. I'm reminded of some words, written by Graham Kendrick for the "Make Way for the Cross" Easter March, 'way back in 1989: « We worship at your feet where wrath and mercy meet, and a guilty world is washed by love's pure stream » (Come and See). In Genesis 3:22-24 we read: "Then YHWH Elohim said, 'Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil; and now, lest he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever' - therefore YHWH Elohim sent him forth from the garden of Eden, to till the ground from which he was taken. He drove out the man; and at the east of the garden of Eden He placed the cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life."
Our first parents had violated the one commandment that they had been given, by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, so they could not complain about being deprived of the tree of life. But that very expulsion was as much a protection as a punishment. Almighty God saves us from living in a state of constant rebellion against Him and total banishment from Him. You see, He has in His eternal mind a way of restoring the damage we have done. I was reading, a few days ago, this comment in The Life Application Bible, on Isaiah 27:12: "God's purpose in judging the earth is not vengeance, but purging. He wants to correct us, and bring us back to Him. God does not punish us for our sin, just to make us suffer, but to make the faithful better equipped for fruitful service."
If we look carefully we can see, clearly, this blend of what we deserve, and of hope based on love, in the forward look to life outwith Eden. "The man called his wife's name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. And YHWH Elohim made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins, and clothed them." (3:20-21). There is a future, and Father God even provides garments that would protect them from physical harm caused by the thorns and thistles already predicted. (v.18).
In what theologians refer to as the "protoevangelium" (the first gospel message), YHWH curses the serpent/devil, and prophecies: "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." (v.15). The uppercase letters should be sufficient explanation! But both woman and man are also sentenced. The woman is told that childbearing will be painful (but note the implicit promise of children!), and that she will want to please her husband, and that he will have a position of seniority in the relationship. Check back to Pt.3! Already sin has made a difference even in the relationship between husband and wife! Of course, both are still equal - but the man now has his position confirmed - and it is actually one of responsibility!
And, it is because of man that the ground, itself, is cursed. Working it will not be the pleasure it was at the beginning - not that there are not those who enjoy working in the fields, but that they now have to work much harder; greater effort will be needed to provide what the ground can produce; and man will return to the ground when physical death overtakes him, as will all of humanity.
So mankind is banished from the earthly paradise into which it was placed, and the way barred to ensure that they do not re-enter. (vs.22-24; above). Thankfully, that is only the end of an act - although there is still some horror stuff with which to deal!
God willing, we shall look at the next scene, next time.
For a wee touch of nostalgia, click on the link (or copy and paste!).
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