![]() But what if we look at this as a coming-of-age story, and view Adam and Eve as young people? Did the serpent ‘groom’ Eve, was she an innocent victim? Did she and Adam just trustingly accept what they were told, not understanding the consequences? Or perhaps the serpent was the teacher, introducing them to the ‘knowledge’ that goes with the adult world? After all, he was right – they didn’t actually die! Is this a lesson in disobedience, or choice and growth? Eve is often presented as the ‘temptress’, too easily persuaded by the serpent and, in seducing Adam, forever held responsible for original sin. The ‘Thought for the Week’ in ROOT’s magazine’s resources for worship poses some interesting questions and other ways of looking at the story.įor women and victim-survivors of abuse, the Genesis reading can be challenging. It’s something that we can all identify with – something that seemed such a good idea at the time turns out to have painful or embarrassing consequences. As is typical with temptation what initially looks so attractive ultimately causes only misery and confusion. In Adam and Eve’s case it went against God’s instructions and destroyed their trusting relationship with God. The darker side is that the seeming good sense of temptation masks the fact that doing or saying or thinking a particular thing is just plain wrong. And surely wisdom for the human race is a sensible step forward? ![]() To learn, to be able to make their own decisions, to be independent and self-reliant is a sign of growing up and is something every parent would want to see in their children. After all, surely Eve could be praised for wanting to stretch the limits of her and Adam’s potential. Have you ever been tempted to do something you know is wrong? If you know for certain that it is wrong it makes it easier to resist, but the thing about temptation that makes it so dangerous is that a real temptation always has an element of good sense, it is plausible and appealing. ![]() Hymn Seek ye first the kingdom of God (R&S 512) Jesus showed that, faced with temptation, he could be trusted to do the right thing how will we respond when we are tested, and who can we trust when facing life’s challenges? Romans 5 is the link between Genesis and our Gospel reading and reminds us that the Jesus we meet in the temptation narrative is the one who undid the effects of Adam’s choice, enabling each of us to voice God’s praise. Genesis 2–3 shows the consequences of ignoring that voice. In our three readings, we are invited into a relationship with the God who speaks to us and calls us into an understanding of who we are in him. In that way, Jesus, the new Adam and new David, began a new race of people who restore the cracked image of God and reflect the character of God as he intended. In Matthew 4 and Romans 5, Jesus is able to do what Adam and Israel did not – obey God without hesitation and without self-interest. In Genesis 2 and 3, the sad tale is recounted of the failure of Adam and Eve to be God’s agents on earth. Todays’ readings are about a holy and forgiving God and his wayward and weak human creations. Hymn Praise to the holiest inn the height (R&S 103) When we face the unknown, we place our trust in you, Lord, relying on your endless love. When we are scared and hurting, we place our trust in you, Lord. When we feel lost and alone, we place our trust in you, Lord. When we get things wrong, we place our trust in you, Lord. Lord Jesus Christ, we worship and adore you. When tempted by riches and power, you chose servanthood. When tempted to be spectacular, you chose humility. When tempted by bread, you chose the word of God. Jesus Christ, our wonderful Lord and Saviour, who when tempted in the desert, resisted, in the world, but not of the world: we worship and adore you. We bow before you today and sit at your feet, worshipping only you. You challenged the evil one and reign victoriously. Jesus you were tempted in the wilderness, but you chose another way. God our stronghold and deliverer, you are the only Lord, our God, and we trust only in you.
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