Genesis 14 -20...HELLO!

14-19

The previous entry on these verses was weak in its appreciation of the significance of what had just happened. These few words spoken by God are perhaps the most devastating uttered throughout history. The consequences of Adam and Eve's rebellion would have far reaching consequences that would touch the lives of all that followed them. The spiritual and physical death that entered the world would break the hearts of many causing great distress, fear and hopelessness. The searing pain of a life been torn out of our world will always haunt those that journey through this life. Ultimately this curse reflects an even graver reality, the severed relationship of man with God.

Despite the severity of these consequences still today we minimise the guilt of sin, dismiss its implications and justify our own actions. As we are confronted with the groaning of suffering and death should we not be continually reminded of the ugliness of our selfish desires and faithlessness. It is not that I want to link personal suffering to personal sin, although on occasions there may be a direct relationship, but rather that we realise the collective consequence of our rebellion against God is the suffering state of the world today. Even those who attempt to live very good lives cannot be assured that they will not be touched by the consequences of this great evil. As we read in verse 21 'all the living are the children of Eve' and we all live with her tendency towards sin and the implications that follow. Please do not read this entry in isolation from the rest of the bible, otherwise you'll miss out on the outragious grace that God displays as the story unfolds.