The Breaking

Genesis 3

The story of the Bible, and ultimately the world, doesn’t get very far before the wheels seem to come off: God’s good creation, His good relationships with Adam and Eve are broken through sin. God gave them one command in the Garden: don’t eat from this tree. But Adam and Eve chose not to obey. One interesting note: the original Hebrew highlights the word “eyes” over and over. The tree was beautiful to the eye, it was supposed to open their eyes, Eve saw that it was delightful to the eye. Ultimately they eat and their eyes are opened, just not in the way they thought. They “know” good and evil, but only because they have tried out evil to know what it feels like to disobey God. That’s the false promise of sin: delight, beauty, enlightenment, but in the end it leaves us feeling empty, dirty, and more foolish for our experience. Our eyes are darkened, not opened.

Why do we need to consider sin at the start of Lent? Because this season is a time of reflection not just on Adam and Eve’s failings, but our own sin and need for a savior. 1 John 1:8-10 is so clear: “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us… If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.” As we journey toward Good Friday and Easter, consider your need for a savior by looking at your sin.

Father, help me see my sin with truth and clarity. Please protect me from self-justification or self deception so that I can more fully understand your salvation.

Question to Consider

Where have I been choosing sin rather than God? Where have I been playing with what may look good on the outside, but is actually contrary to God’s plan for me?