Because the proud one distorted the Word
(Genesis 3:14)
In Genesis 3:14, we find ourselves immersed in the profound consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in the idyllic Garden of Eden. As the narrative unfolds, the LORD God turns His attention towards the serpent, the cunning creature that played a deceitful role in the tragic events that unfolded.
The serpent had distorted the very essence of the divine Word. This distortion, resonating from the serpent’s actions as depicted in Genesis 3:1 and 3:4, illuminates the grave consequences that ensue when the truth is twisted and corrupted. It is a reminder of the inherent danger that arises when one’s pride leads to the manipulation of sacred truths.
In Revelation 12:9, it says, “And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him.” This verse explicitly equates the “great dragon” with the “ancient serpent,” who is identified as the devil and Satan. This association suggests that the serpent in Genesis 3:14 is actually Satan in disguise. Similarly, in Revelation 20:2, it says, “And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” Again, this verse makes a direct connection between the “dragon” and the “ancient serpent,” both of which are identified as the devil and Satan. This identification further supports the idea that the serpent in Genesis 3:14 is actually Satan in disguise.
A question remains: why did God curse the serpent when He knew that it was actually Satan who had led Adam and Eve into sin? The fate of the serpent is an illustration. The curse of the serpent will one day be the fate of Satan himself (Rev 20:10; Ezek 28:18-19). In other words, the humiliation of the serpent points forwards to the final humiliation of Satan, the ultimate proud one.
From the divine voice resounds the pronouncement of a curse: “Because you have done this, cursed are you above all livestock and above all beasts of the field.” In this proclamation, we witness a divine judgment falling upon the serpent, surpassing the extent of any other creature’s curse. It signifies the magnitude of the serpent’s treachery and its pivotal role in the unraveling of paradise’s harmony.
The curse continues, unveiling a profound transformation: “on your belly you shall go, and dust you shall eat all the days of your life.” This vivid imagery evokes a deep sense of degradation and humiliation, as the serpent is reduced from its former stature to a lowly creature that slithers upon the ground. While the Bible is not clear as to whether or not the serpent stood up or walked before the curse, it appears likely that, like other reptiles, it probably did walk on four legs. The act of consuming dust, symbolic of abasement and debasement, paints a stark picture of the dishonor it shall endure. Moreover, the phrase “all the days of your life” echoes the depths of this verse, capturing the enduring nature of the serpent’s curse. Genesis 3:14 records for us the consequence of distorting the Word of God. When the proud one distorted the Word he learned the hard way, through the curse that lasted all the days of its life, that gravity hurts.
Because the adversary denounced the Word
Genesis 3:15
As we delve into the narrative of Genesis 3:15, we cannot overlook the reality of our human condition as described in Ephesians 2:1-3. In these verses, the apostle Paul aptly portrays our natural inclination to align ourselves with Satan and his domain. We are described as being dead in our trespasses and sins, following the course of this world and being influenced by the prince of the power of the air. It is a somber reminder of our fallen state, a state that leads us away from God and into the arms of the enemy.
However, in the midst of this bleak reality, Genesis 3:15 offers a glimmer of hope. God, in His mercy, intervenes and declares enmity between the serpent and the woman, between their offspring. This divine intervention reveals God’s desire to rescue humanity from the clutches of Satan and his deceptive schemes. It is a testament to God’s relentless pursuit of His creation and His determination to bring about redemption and restoration.
As we reflect on the enmity established between the serpent and the woman, we are reminded of another significant event in human history: the Tower of Babel. In Genesis 11, we read about the collective rebellion of mankind as they sought to build a tower that would reach the heavens. In response to their unity in rebellion, God confused their languages and scattered them across the earth. This scattering served to disrupt their alignment in rebellion and to prevent further unity against God.
Likewise, in Genesis 3:15, God’s declaration of enmity between the serpent and the woman serves a similar purpose. By establishing enmity, God introduces a division that prevents mankind from aligning themselves in rebellion against Him. This division serves as a protective measure, a merciful intervention to hinder the collective destructive power of unified rebellion. In other words, it is through God’s mercy that He establishes enmity, placing a barrier between us and the destructive forces of the enemy. This enmity serves as a safeguard, preventing us from fully embracing the harmful influences that lead to spiritual death and separation from God.
God’s actions at the Tower of Babel and in Genesis 3:15 highlight His desire to safeguard humanity from their own self-destructive tendencies. When left unchecked, the alignment of mankind in rebellion against God leads to their ultimate detriment. It perpetuates a state of separation from God, the source of true life and fulfillment.
However, even in the midst of the enmity established, God extends His mercy and offers a promise of redemption. In Genesis 3:15, we find the first glimpse of the redemptive plan that will ultimately culminate in the person of Jesus Christ. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus overcomes the power of sin and offers humanity a way back into a restored relationship with God.
Genesis 3:15 records for us the consequence of denouncing the Word of God. When the adversary denounced the Word he learned the hard way, through the constant enmity of both God and mankind and his eventual defeat through their offspring, that gravity hurts.
Because the woman disregarded the Word
Genesis 3:16
In Genesis 3:16, we see the consequences of the woman’s disobedience to God’s Word. The text tells us that God would “multiply” her pain in childbearing and that she would “bring forth children in pain.” This pain serves as a reminder of her disobedience, reminding her of the gravity of her sin.
The woman, who was created, in part, to be a mother, chose to disregard God’s Word and instead followed the serpent’s temptation. In doing so, she became the mother of all sinners and the source of pain and suffering in childbirth. The pain of childbirth thus serves as a reminder of her disobedience and the consequences of disregarding God’s Word.
In addition to the pain of childbirth, Genesis 3:16b speaks to the relationship between the wife and her husband. The text tells us that the wife’s “desire shall be contrary to [her] husband, but he shall rule (“mashal”—dominate) over [her].” This consequence serves as a reminder of the wife’s disobedience and her failure to submit to her husband as God intended. The husband, who was designed to be the head of this wife (Eph 5:23), was meant to lead and protect his wife. However, as a result of the woman’s disobedience, she would desire to dominate her husband, leading to conflict and power struggles in marriage. This reminder of the woman’s disobedience is evident in every failed marriage, every beaten wife, and every feminist movement.
The pain of childbirth and the power struggles in marriage serve as reminders of the woman’s disobedience and the gravity of sin. Genesis 3:16 records for us the consequences of disregarding the Word of God. When first woman, the mother of all mankind, disregarded the Word she learned the hard way that gravity hurts.
Because the man disobeyed the Word
Genesis 3:17-19
Genesis 3:17-19 describes the devastating consequences of Adam’s disobedience to God’s Word. Adam, who was created to be a steward of God’s creation, failed to fulfill his responsibility to care for and protect the earth. As a result, the ground was cursed, and Adam became a steward of decay. Every mosquito bite, every dead tree, every drought, every flood, and every famine became a reminder of his disobedience.
Moreover, the curse of sin resulted in Adam’s physical death. The reminder of his disobedience was evident in every death, every disease, every short life, every suicide, and every depression. Adam became an image-bearer of death, as he returned to the dust from which he was created. Genesis 3:17-19 records for us the consequence of disobeying the Word. When the first man, the steward of all creation and the image-bearer of God Himself, disobeyed the Word he learned the hard way that gravity hurts.
…they learned that gravity hurts
In contrast to Adam, who became a steward of decay and an image-bearer of death, we have the opportunity to become stewards of life and image-bearers of Christ. For through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we have inherited a new image: an image of life. As Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:49, “Just as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the man of heaven.” Through faith in Christ, we become new creations, and our old self, which was characterized by sin and death, has passed away. We are now empowered to fulfill our purpose as stewards of God’s creation, and we have the hope of eternal life, free from the curse of sin and death.
As stewards of this new image, we must learn the lesson taught in the Fall. When we consider the consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience in Genesis 3, we see that their sin hurt more than any other. This is because Adam and Eve had the most responsibility of all. They were the first humans created, made in the image of God and given the responsibility of being stewards of the earth. Their disobedience not only affected themselves, but it also affected all of creation. As we read in Romans 8:20-22, the creation was subjected to frustration and decay because of their sin. Their disobedience had a ripple effect that has lasted throughout human history.
In a sense, Adam and Eve in their importance “weigh” a lot. Their sin had a greater impact because of the responsibility and authority they had been given. This principle is reflected in Luke 12:48, where Jesus says, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”
As Christians, we must be mindful that our sin affects more than just ourselves. We are members of the body of Christ, and our actions have a ripple effect on the entire body. In 2 Corinthians 6:14-16, Paul reminds us of the importance of being yoked with believers who share our faith, values, and beliefs. He warns us against being unequally yoked with unbelievers, for how can we walk together well if we do not share the same beliefs? This principle applies to more than our personal relationships, however. As members of the body of Christ, our actions affect our fellow believers, the witness of the church to the world, and the glory of God. When we sin, we not only hurt ourselves, but also the body of Christ and its mission in the world.
As we reflect on the consequences of Adam and Eve’s disobedience, we are reminded that our actions have a greater impact when we have more responsibility and authority. We, like Adam, have been given the Word of God, and with that comes great responsibility. We have seen what happens when the Word is distorted, denounced, disregarded, and disobeyed.
We, as Christians, are called to do the opposite. Instead of distorting, we are called to rightly handle the Word of Truth (2 Tim 2:15). Instead of denouncing, we are called to proclaim the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Matt 28:19-20). Instead of disregarding, we are called to meditate on God’s Word day and night (Ps 1:2). And instead of disobeying, we are called to be doers of the Word and not hearers only (Jas 1:22).
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