In the story of the garden of Eden we hear of both blessing and disobedience, and through it all, God’s presence and care. Years of interpretation have given us a certain view of the impact of this tale, but perhaps we need to look at Eve, and ourselves in a little different light.
Worship this week:
Saturday at 5:00 p.m. in the chapel
Sunday – 8:30 a.m. Traditional
10:00 am. Contemporary
Devotions for this week: Eve
SHARE: What was a high point of your day? What was a low point?
READ: Read the following daily readings to deepen your understanding
Sunday, Genesis 1:26-31 The first telling creating humans
Monday, Genesis 2:4b-25 The second telling
Tuesday, Genesis 3:1-7 The fruit of the tree
Wednesday, Genesis 3:8-24 The consequences
Thursday, Genesis 4:1-16 Cain and Abel
Friday, Genesis 4:25-26 The birth of Seth
Saturday, 2 Corinthians 11:3 Paul cites Eve as example of sin
TALK: Consider some of these ideas
6So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate; and she also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate. 7Then the eyes of both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves. Genesis 3:6-7
Eve is often blamed for bringing ‘sin’ into the world. We have read and re-read this story many times, and it is covered in centuries of interpretation. Yes, there is disobedience, but what is the Bible trying to convey about human beings and their relationship to God?
Does the creation story talk only about guilt and sin?
- Does the story describe the complexity of being human, knowing both the beauty and fragile nature of life?
- Has Eve been made a scapegoat for all human disobedience?
PRAY: Help us Lord, to see both the beauty and the pain in our world and in our actions. Then help us walk with you, trusting that you still care for us.
BLESS: May you find wonder in all that God has created.
