This series pertains to Jesus’ lineage and the women who played a part in it. I do not claim to be a theologian, but as a dramatist and writer I believe that the Bible is full of stories about average and not so average people who played an important part in HIS story from the beginning to infinity and beyond. With that in mind, I will speak in the voice of the first person.
EVE, THE FIRST WOMAN
I know that God had His hand in every part of my existence. In just six days He crafted the universe, with all the beauty of the stars and moons and the sun that served the planets. His finger stirred the waters and they separated, exposing dry land and leaving water to nourish the lush vegetation. He formed all the animals of every species and each bird was made for a purpose. He breathed oxygen into the lungs of my husband, Adam and saw that there was a need for a companion for him, so He took a rib from the man’s body and formed me to be Adam’s wife.
Everything was perfect. Our dwelling was a paradise with a canopy of moisture over us to give life to all living things. There was nothing we lacked. Everything was provided by our God. He asked nothing in return, except for our complete obedience and confidence in Him. One of His first commands to us was not to eat from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Our dependence on God was critical to our relationship with Him.
That was then, but this is now. Through my doubt – my lack of confidence in God – my weakness – I became the devil’s pawn. He entered Eden in the form of a serpent and attacked my free will. His words made me wonder if I could gain the same level as God. At that moment, I questioned God’s plan for me and my actions would lead Adam down the same path. As soon as we ate from the forbidden tree, our eyes were opened and we were ashamed.
Sin entered the world and our first impulse was to run and hide from the very One who knew everything about us. We couldn’t hide. His power was so much greater than ours, yet we fled and covered ourselves.
Our Father loved us, but our sin couldn’t go without consequences. Life changed for us. Adam, the man who named every animal, would now work weed infested terrain in the heat of the day. I would have children, but not without suffering. The beauty of our garden was taken from us and we were cast out of it.
Both of us deserved that punishment, but our sin would pass from one generation to another. Sin would cause death and we we’d never see or talk to God again in the way we once had. It broke my heart to know that my sin would also cover my children.
W fulfilled God’s command to be fruitful and multiply. Along with populating the world, we saw the effects of that first sin. We would know death. We’d see every possible sin against God and humanity. Our punishment fit our crime.
The temptation of Satan occurred at a tree, but God made a promise. He told the evil one that he would be crushed by one of my offspring. This descendant would be bruised upon a tree. His death would conquer the devil and give to everyone the gift of eternal life.
God’s Word is true and He always keeps His promises.
