When Eve stopped to engage in a conversation with the serpent, she was setting herself up for defeat. Granted, it is not everyday that one gets to have an actual chat with an animal. Maybe this was a common thing before the Fall.
What was the point, however, of conversing with the snake? God had already made it clear what the rule was. “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.” God’s directions were very clear and would not seem to need any clarification.
What the serpent was able to get the woman to do, however, was to rethink and reevaluate what God had said. Did God really mean what He said? Was God withholding something good from her? Does God have any right to tell me what I can and cannot do? Why should I accept God’s rules about right and wrong? Don’t I know what is best for my life?
Things really have not changed that much since this conversation between a woman and a talking snake. Many people (me included) have no desire to spend any time with snakes. Before the Fall, however, fear had not entered the equation.
Interestingly, the Hebrew word for “serpent” used in Genesis also conveys the idea of “something bright and shiny.” Paul picked up on this when he said that “Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” The things that can cause our destruction look very enticing, inviting, and pleasurable.
Our job is to keep running the Race that God has called us to. Let us not make the mistake of stopping to talk to snakes!
What “snakes” have tried to distract you this week?
Annie and I are serving the Lord in the United States, Africa, South America, and India. Would you consider joining our team? Just click here to get in involved. Thanks so much!
