Genesis 3:1
3 Now the serpent was more crafty than any other wild animal that the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, ‘Did God say, “You shall not eat from any tree in the garden”?’
Oh my. Here is the story that throws a shadow over many things as it attempts to explain the plight of humanity. The tree is good. Humans are good. God’s creation is good! But something went wrong. The woman eats the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and gives it to her husband.
Let me share with you the Rendilli version of how woman was enticed to eat the forbidden fruit. The Rendilli shared with us: Once upon a time long ago, God lived very close to people. People could talk with God and everyone was happy. But one day a woman decided it would be easier if she would move her house on the back of a camel rather than on the back of goats. People tried to convince her not to but she was stubborn. She loaded her house on the back of a camel and when the camel stood up, the long poles poked God and God moved far away into the heavens.
There is no tree in their story unless you count the poles used to hold the woman’s goods on the back of the camel and which then became the support for the relocated house. And there is no snake but there is a camel. And in both stories, continents apart, a selfish woman is credited for the deed and God is no longer close but far off.
In the Biblical account, it all started with a seemingly innocent question that raised doubts. Did God really say? Did he say not to eat; did he mean you would die; and surely there is an easier way. We doubt God’s word, God’s way, and God’s love. We look for a way that looks wise in our eyes or our friend’s eyes. Perhaps today you are struggling with some aspect of God’s word and doubt is your enemy. The tree of the knowledge of good and evil was never meant to be our responsibility because we have a God who cares for us and sees the big picture. Let us spend our prayer time placing our doubts about what to do in his hands. He cares! Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 