Today's readings in Genesis refer to the fall of humanity. The serpent convinces Eve to eat the fruit (notice it wasn't an apple!); she in turn convinces Adam. God searches for them and they hide, because of their nakedness. In V 10, Adam responds that he is afraid. When have you been afraid of God? Why would one be afraid of God, especially so early in human existence.
When questioned, Adam blames, Eve and Eve blames the serpent. Sounds typical for humans- blame someone else for your misguided decisions! Has that ever happened to you? I wonder what life would be like if Adam and Eve said to the serpent, "Nah, no thanks on the fruit!" Why can't we (why didn't they) resist temptation?
Then the story of Cain and Abel. Cain a crop farmer; Abel a shepherd. For some reason God preferred Abel's offering more-- the text says Cain brought an offering, Abel brought a firstling. Does that mean Cain didn't bring his first crops or best crops-- as was requested? Cain kills Abel-- and the fall of humanity continues. Any comments about this story? Its a tough one.
The family tree of Adam and Eve continue with Seth and Enoch. Not many people realize that Adam and Eve had more children! Are you surprised?
In Ephesians, we hear the author talk about breaking down the wall between Jews and Gentiles. Remember, the earliest "Christians" were Jews. They struggled with keeping the Laws while also remembering that Jesus negated the Laws (that's where the reference of circumcision and uncircumcised comes in). Christ died for all people- Gentile, Jew, Christian- whoever accepts Him. How do you feel that ALL people are invited to be part of God's family through their acceptance of Christ? Is it a struggle for you? Think about the fall of humanity that we read about in Genesis and the fact that Jesus resolves all sins. Any comments about that?
Reading for Monday: Genesis 5-6 , Psalm 12, Ephesians 3
Peace+
God still comes off as a child playing a game; God had a plan of action prepared for the instance his characters(Man & Woman) disobeyed him.
ReplyDeleteYears have passed since God became disappointed with Man and yet he still takes it out on Cain & Abel creating their sibling rivalry. One could say God favored Abel but his actions resulted in Abel's death.
Genesis 3:22, who is "us"?
I think God is like a parent...always thinking one step ahead of your kids. And ready to discipline at a moments notice. Is the discipline always effective and warranted? Not always. Is it fair? Not always.
DeleteUs may be the same reference that we spoke of earlier...and let us create humans in our image...so, God, Son, and Spirit? Thoughts?
Genesis 3: How much "convincing" did Eve do to get Adam to eat the fruit. It seems like she knew he was hungry and provided him with food.
ReplyDeleteIn my head, the story plays out a little different...
One person (God) said,"Here is all this cool stuff you get to rule over, by the way don't eat from that tree over there. Okay, bye!"
And then another person (Mr. Serpent) says, "Nah, that guy (God)? He's full of it, what a jokester. Just eat the fruit, it's good! Plus you're hungry, go ahead!"
If I were Eve, I'd totally just eat the fruit. But then again, it is just a story that was told to prove a point. People are stupid and didn't listen to God. Maybe we should start doing that.
Genesis 4: God is totally punishing Cain for killing Abel... Yeah, it's bad to kill, but what happened to forgiveness?
Ephesians 2: I think first we need to accept that all people are people and deserve basic human rights. THEN open our minds to the fact the God accepts ALL PEOPLE into Gods family. The family of the church. The atmosphere of this country doesn't seem to be on board with the whole acceptance thing yet.
The God we read about in the Hebrew texts does t seem too forgiving. There are many stories where the people disobey and are severely punished. I see a difference in how we see God in Hebrew writings compared to Gospel and epistle writings!
DeleteAnd all people do deserve the same rights...and we do need to work on that. Current times are especially noted now! My favorite scripture is Micah 6:8...what does the Lord require from you human but to seek justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. We all need to work on that!
As an aside....the newest edition of the NIV is the most gender neutral translation of the Bible, but it still refers to God as He. E.g...Jesus said, "I will make you fish for people" rather than "I will make you fish for men" but regerences to God are masculine.
ReplyDeleteI remember preaching a message one day many years ago and used the "she" pronoun for God. A comment from one of my people was that God is a male! So much more to teach!
Adam blaming Eve and Eve blaming the serpent reminds me of small children passing the blame to avoid getting in trouble. I don't think there is a person alive who hasn't done that at one point in their life. I always tell my children to be honest and own up to what you did. I prefer that then lying or blaming. I wonder if God would have been less angry if they didn't blame another and took ownership of the choice that they made.
ReplyDeleteI don't understand why God didn't accept Cains offering. The story doesn't reveal all of the information.
As for everyone getting into heaven. I have always looked at as it is up to God who he invites into his home. I feel it isn't any of my business on who goes to heaven except for when it comes to me. I can only control the things that I do and try to lead by example. God knows all people are created equal and he loves us all. If only mankind could follow his lead.
I am with Shannon here.--
ReplyDeleteThe story of Cain & Abel doesn't give us enough information. In turn, it is upsetting. I have many questions. God knows we were all created equal and loves us all, but He chose favorites? Abel was better than Cain? Did Cain act out due to feeling as if he was not loved or loved less?
As a daughter, I grew up in a home with a favorite. It can be damaging to ones soul... I have/do live it. If your children made you gifts for your birthday, would you not accept one or love it less because it wasn't as pretty as the other's?
GEN 4:6-7 (NIV) " Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it."
What did Cain do to not be accepted... what did Abel do differently to have obtained such praise? Was it simply a test of will that God was creating? Are some of us predestined to endure certain obstacles to become stronger and master our faith?
Many people struggle with the story of Cain and Abel. Why was Abel's offering considered better? Or maybe a better question, why was Cains offering not considered good enough? Many theologians discuss and argue about this!
ReplyDeleteWe all face things in life that test our faith. We all wonder why others have it easier or better. Some of it just because that's the way life is. A goal in all we face is to not give up hope or faith. It's hard at times, but keep trudging on through what obstacles you come to.