Re:Verse reading–Genesis 3:8-24 (day seven)
It is a strange story. A paradox. God curses Adam and Eve for their sin. Then cares for them providing a covering and a promise of a Redeemer to come. Is it possible that God is always both with us too?
The New Testament teaches us to expect this “severe mercy”. “Do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor faint when you are reproved by Him. For whom the Lord loves, He disciplines.”–Hebrews 12:5-6.
Do you complain when life gets hard? I am tempted to make both Hebrews 12 mistakes. I “regard lightly” His discipline. (not seeing the necessity of it). I “faint” (give up in self-pity and despair).
Genesis 3 teaches a different virtue. If man cannot be innocent, then he (we) must be brave and humble and patient in suffering. Accepting God’s judgement without complaint, we look to Him for help. The curse and the care come from the same heart.
