Genesis 2:16-17 – “Then the Lord God commanded the man, “You may freely eat fruit from every tree of the orchard, ¹⁷ but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will surely die.”

As I began another journey through the Word of God, something in Genesis 3 prompted me to reflect on the encounter between Eve and the crafty serpent.

In Genesis 2:16-17, God instructed Adam (before Eve’s creation) about the trees in the Garden.  The only prohibition was regarding the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. He said, “You shall not eat its fruit. On the day you eat it, you will surely die.” Simple and clear.

Adam had never seen death, so I can only speculate what that prohibition meant to him.  He knew unconditional love, and in that knowing, he knew that God’s prohibition was for his best good.

Eve had heard from Adam the prohibition.  The subtle, sneaky snake used her ability to reason against her.   He came with a question to cause Eve to question God—not overtly question Him, but use the human ability (gift) of reason to crave something prohibited without holding to the confidence that God’s decree was for her best good.

Eve’s response revealed a flaw in second-hand information.   God said to Adam, “Do not eat.” Eve said God’s decree was, “Do not eat or touch.”  Maybe Adam expanded it to that, and perhaps he didn’t, but it was the first crack in the wall of trust. The snake used it.

Eve rightly related God’s warning, “Disobey and die.”   The snake used the Words of God filtered through human reason to sway or entice her to disobey. He said, “You will not surely die.”  Two thoughts enter my mind. What is death to Eve? Doubt opens the door to disobedience, which leads to separation and death.

The moment Adam and Eve disobeyed, death entered the human family. Death was not God’s plan for humans, but now the seed is sown and bears fruit in humans.   Death is twofold: Spiritual and Physical.

The thought in my heart was not so much about the event in the Garden of Eden and when death occurred, but in the subtlety of deception leading to disobedience, which produces rebellion.    If we viewed our disobedience as rebellion, we would be extremely cautious about how we live our lives.

The snake deceived Eve and, ultimately, Adam, motivating them to shift their focus from God, God’s directive, unconditional love, and complete trustworthiness.  It became “What Do I Desire?”   If we question God’s truthfulness in any area, we will question it in other areas.  If we allow what we want to supersede His protective guidance, rebellion is at the door.

Sin is disobedience and rebellion.  The serpent beguiled Eve and got her to fill her mind with self. Paul’s plea to the Philippians in 4:4-8 is our safeguard. Focus on God’s goodness and faithfulness.  Be grateful for His love and grace.  Trust Him completely, even in what He prohibits.

Then, fill your heart with (v.8) – truth, honesty, justice, purity, beauty, good report, virtue, and reasons to praise Him.   That was the cause of his confidence in (v.13) – “I can do all things through Christ…” That includes obedience. And His confidence in (v.19) – God’s total care!

We must guard against deception because the sneaky snake will bring partial truths to entice us to rely on human reason, leading to rebellion. It is deception to think that sin (disobedience) is not rebellion against God.

I tremble when I realize that my disobedience is not only a slap in the face of God’s goodness and love but also open rebellion. It is amazing that He would be merciful to us and forgive our blatant disregard for His careful provisions and prohibitions, which are designed to keep us safe.

Jesus said, “It is My Father’s desire to give you the kingdom.” He cannot give it to the disobedient rebels we have been.  In repentance and obedience, He can entrust us with the stewardship of the kingdom.  It is grace through faith. Obedience is better than sacrifice.   Lord, help us to recognize that disobedience is a form of rebellion. Help us to trust you enough to obey you completely all the time.

May the Lord help us to hear Him for ourselves rather than rely on secondhand information!