Today we addressed the topic of CURSE in the pivotal Old Testament chapter, Genesis 3.  Here we move from the perfection of the good to the sickness of sin.

While the source of sin and evil is not explained, its twisting impact is made clear.  As David Atkinson observes:

• Obedience gives way to rebellion
• Openness gives way to shame
• Responsibility gives way to guilt
• Freedom gives way to bondage
• Blessing becomes curse
• Complementarity becomes subordination
• Work becomes toil
• Fellowship becomes banishment

In spite of the depth of the destructive power of sin, we are not left without hope.  Genesis 3:15 (often called the proto-evangelion) tells of One who is to come who will crush the head of the serpent.   And, although it is guarded by an angel with a flaming sword in front of it, there is still a tree of life.  One will come who will absorb the pain and death of that sword and provide a way into the new and eternal life of God.

God wants to walk and talk with us; so when he calls out, “Where are you?,” let us not run and hide but respond as did Samuel, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” . . . TLT