A Note of Encouragement

from Ciloa

 

  

 



A man studying an open Bible

Those who diligently seek me
will find me!
Proverbs 8:17, NASU

 
Still read the Bible?
Volume XV, Issue 37 
September 14, 2015 
Do you still read the Bible? I don't. I stopped reading the Bible years ago. Now I study it.
 
There is a difference. By reading we know a character's background, status, words, actions, thoughts, and dreams. We see where and when events occur. But only by studying do we discover the depth of it all---especially the what and the why!
 
Consider the fall of mankind---satan in the Garden of Eden, Eve being deceived, the forbidden fruit, and God's punishment. Reading the account we reach an easy conclusion: Sin entered the world through the actions of Eve. It's the woman's fault! Ah, not so fast.
 
The Bible is clear. Adam was the problem. He broke the covenant and failed to keep God's command (see Hosea 6:7, Romans 5:14). We all die because of him (see 1 Corinthians 15:22). Sin entered the world through Adam, not Eve. (see Romans 5:12)
 
But how can that be? She ate first, right? And didn't Paul write, Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner (1 Timothy 2:14)?
 
The clue lies in Genesis 2:15. Before the infamous Fruit Incident...before satan tempted Eve...God gave Adam a command. The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it.
 
I've used this translation (NIV) to point out the value of studying the Word of God. A simple reading gives the idea that this is about farming. In fact, other translations use words such as cultivate, till, and tend. But God's command was about much more.
 
The translation "to work" comes from the ancient Hebrew word abad. The root refers to work in all forms, and this all-inclusive nature provides the word its deeper meaning: to serve and honor.
 
Our study does not stop there. The translation "to take care of" results from the ancient Hebrew word shamar, which presents the image of a thorny hedge used for defense. This image provides the deeper meaning: to guard and protect.
 
So, what does studying this passage tell us? Adam was commanded to abad and shamar. God called him to do everything necessary to serve, honor, guard and protect all that made up the Garden of Eden, including every living creature. He was to be the Guardian of the Garden.
 
This covers more of the what, but there's still that why. Why does the Bible say that sin entered the world through Adam? The answer lies within verse 3:6, specifically a single Hebrew word derived from im, which means accompanying.
 
...[Eve] took some [of the desirable fruit] and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her...
 
Adam was there! When evil came, Adam was not deceived. He stood by, idle and silent, offering no encouragement. He broke the covenant and failed God's command to serve, honor, guard, and protect the Garden. Because of Adam, evil stood in the Garden...and sin entered the world.
 
I encourage you to study God's Word. See with your eyes, hear with your ears, and understand with your heart. Seek Him, for all the when's, where's, what's, and why's ultimately serve a singular purpose---to draw us closer to the Who. (Our loving God, not the band...in case you're confused.)

Take care & be God's,

 

Chuck
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