I was reading in Genesis the other day, taking in the Bible in a bit of a different way. There is a new publication by Zondervan that takes the TNIV version of the Bible and lays it out in one readable story: chronologically, in story form, omitting the places where events are repeated, delivering the story of God’s love in a seamless, readable way. You can look at it in depth over there under the Amazon Books section. ===> (Plug finished!)
I’ve read the story of Adam and Eve many times and heard a variety of sermons on the subject. The delightful thing about the Bible, though, is its ability to speak to you in new ways each time it is opened. It’s really incredible!
In the account of the fall of man, we all know and understand that the forbidden fruit was eaten against the request of God, and mankind fell into sin. I knew all about that. What struck me during this reading, however, was completely different. I’m sure I’ve read and heard about the Tree of Life that was placed next to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil plenty of times, but I don’t think I ever considered it. You see, God placed the Tree of Life in the same category as all the other trees. They were free to eat of it. They were free to receive life. And God could have left it that way. No Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, no problem…right? Just offer life with now choice of rebellion or death. Why not? (Genesis 2:8-9)
Unfortunately, there can’t be love when that kind of control is present. God offered a choice. He took the risk and allowed His creation to choose their desires over Him if that was what they wanted.
And He does the same with you and I today.
We all have the choice to live and move and exist completely in Him. The door has been opened for every human being in existence to call on the name of Jesus and have life. Life abundant. Thus we have the Tree of Life.
Yet, we are also given the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, too. We can choose to fulfill our desires, our short-sighted wants, and our selfish goals. We have that freedom. Will it lead us anywhere? Will this choice give life?
Never. But the choice remains.
Because of love, the choice remains. God loves us so much, He’ll never force it upon us. Freely given, freely accepted. And when we choose to respond, it isn’t because He has, by His mighty power, forced us into loving Him. We choose Him. We desire His life over our own.
Not control. Love.
Do you try to control situations and people around you to make them love you? Have you ever been controlled? Did it ever lead to lasting, true love?
I look forward to your thoughts…
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- The Element of Fear :: How It Almost Always Works and Usually Never Lasts
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[...] As a Bible-believing Christian, I have to understand that all those who are separated from God are under the curse of sin. It’s in all of our DNA. Adam and Eve made that choice. [...]