EVE VERSUS THE SNAKE

(based upon Genesis 3:1-6)

God is showing Adam and Eve around the garden. He is pointing out flowers and trees. God loved this time with his companions. They were strolling along, until they come to one tree.

"So much I have created for you," God says. "Enjoy it all. Except for this one tree. Think you can walk right on by this tree because to eat from this tree will cause you to die? "

I can picture Adam and Eve shaking their heads and thinking, "It is a no brainer. With all there is to eat, of course we can stay away from one little tree."

Can you imagine the garden? Colorful. Lush. Peaceful. Adam and Eve enjoying the end of the day. Relaxed. Loved by God. Adam and Eve asleep.

Where is the snake? I think that ole snake had followed them, hiding behind trees and under bushes, but listening, plotting and waiting. He was being patient. He taxed his brain to full capacity figuring out how he would work his evil. Still hiding the snake was sizing up Eve.

Adam greeted Eve, "Good morning. What are your plans for today? Shall we name a few plants? And I saw a funny looking animal. Silly thing - big, gray, long nose. For some reason I thought elephant might be a good name."

Eve replied, "Elephant? Why not? This naming is getting a bit difficult. I never imagined God was so creative. Do you think we are even half done?"

"I think I will walk to the waterfalls. Do you want to come along?" Eve asked.

"No," Adam said as he studied a new bug. "We'll have some fruit and nuts when you get back. If you see something that strikes your fancy, pick it, would you?"

And the snake smiled.

IT COULD HAPPEN TO YOU

Eve never saw it coming and never had a chance. Eve had no defenses to combat that ole evil, sneaky snake.

It could happen to you. It is hard to keep our defenses up 24/7.

Okay, so the apple on the tree looked good and the ole snake told a good story, but why did Eve fall for it? Why did she not do as God told her? How hard could it have been to resist the fruit of this one tree? It isn’t like she and Adam didn’t have anything to eat. And she should have known better. After all ---

Come to think of it, there was no “after all.” No one before Eve had ever been tempted. She really did not understand the consequences of one little bite, of one little piece of fruit. Eve didn't grow up with parents teaching her right from wrong. Eve didn't have experts on television telling her how to say no and be strong. Eve didn't have an extended family, a church family or even a good female friend to turn to.

Don't you hate those "Eve" choices in your life? Those choices which seem innocent. Those choices where someone is telling you, "Go ahead. Who will ever know?"

You are warned not to use a curling iron in the shower. You are warned to buckle up before you drive. Why don't your choices come with a warning label? After all ---

Come to think of it, there is an "after all" for you. A very big one. It is called the Bible.

What choices do you face? Are you ever like Eve and listen to ole sneaky snake instead of the Word of God? Are the big decisions in life easy, but the little "one bite of the apple won't hurt" decisions hard? What choices do you face?

Unlike Eve, you have a defense system. And remember, that ole snake has no legs to stand on.