Genesis chapter 3:8-15

DDD for the week of December 14th -19th.  For the next 2 weeks, our Daily Devotions will be focused on the Christmas theme. They will be a little different from the normal pattern, giving a daily passage to read, followed not by a verse-by-verse commentary, but a general comment/meditation on the passage and what it tells us about the real meaning of Christmas.

Day 1: Monday December 14th:  Read Genesis chapter 3:8-15:

Today, we start at the very beginning. Adam and Eve have disobeyed God’s one test of their obedience to Him who has given them so much, and eaten from the forbidden tree. So God declares His judgement on the sin they have brought in to spoil the bliss of His perfect creation . The fellowship they have previously enjoyed with God is marred – they try vainly to hide from Him, and when faced with his disobedience, Adam tries to blame Eve ( and by implication, God – ” the woman whom YOU gave to be with me” ) – Eve in turn blames the serpent. So, sin is already working in them. Yet even in passing judgement, God gives the first promise of the One to come, who will defeat Satan ( the judgement on ” the serpent” is of course on him, who used this form to tempt Eve ) and though Satan will ” bruise His heel “ – the first reference to Christ’s sufferings on the cross, He who is ” the offspring ( or Seed ) of the woman “ – truly human – will ” bruise ( or crush ) Satan’s head. “ – ( see Colossians 2:15.).

Here then is the first promise of the Saviour’s coming, the revealed truth of God’s eternal purpose and plan of redemption, brought into history that first Christmas, with the birth of Jesus. How amazing to think that at the very moment of the Fall and man’s separation from God, the promise of the Saviour was given – amazing grace indeed.