- Scripture: Genesis 3:14–3:24
- The Anchor: “The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them.” – Genesis 3:21
God’s message to Satan, Eve, and Adam after the fall—along with the internal conversation within the Trinity—changes everything.
To Satan, God made the serpent into the reptile we know today. Maybe the serpent used to look like a different animal, but God punished it because Satan used the serpent to deceive Adam and Eve. Also, God foretold about the final battle between Jesus and Satan. It’s crazy that God had everything planned from the very very beginning. From Genesis 3, we already had the ending to this whole Bible story, and that gives me a lot of confidence and assurance of our faith.
To Eve, God told her that she would have a painful experience in childbearing and that she will desire her husband. Of course, the pain in childbearing is talking about the experience of childbirth, but also maybe the pain in caring for a young child. However, I don’t think I understand the part about her desiring her husband. Of course, this has something to do with complementarianism, but I don’t fully understand this concept.
To Adam, God told him that he has sinned, and his sin has cursed the ground with thorns and thistles. Also, God told Adam that his work will be toil and he will surely die. Before the first transgression, the estate they were in is one of perfect work, where they could work to glorify God, be creative, and be joyful in their labor. But since then, work has turned into some chore that we go through daily in order to receive something. This was the topic of Teens Retreat 2025, and I learned that we should work for God’s glory every day. Even if the work is difficult or annoying, everything we do is pleasing to God, so we have no need to complain. Additionally, the original sin brought us into death, instead of everlasting life, but through Jesus, we have been given eternal life.
A continuation of yesterday’s passage is the fig leaves and garments. In yesterday’s passage, Adam and Eve made clothes out of fig leaves to cover themselves because they knew they were naked. But now, God clothes Adam and Eve with garments. My mom talked about this at retreat, because yesterday, Adam and Eve found their identity in something that wasn’t God, but now, God still clothes them with clothing and gives us a new identity in Him.
Finally, God talked to His Trinity, and they decided to expel Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden. This was out of their own good, since God did not want them to live forever as sinners. Even when we mess up, God does what is best for us. Our God is truly good and on our side.
Reflection
- Before the fall, work was meant to be creative, joyful, and purposeful. When you think about your daily “work” right now (like homework, chores, studying, or practicing for orchestra or Chamber), how does shifting your mindset to doing it “for God’s glory” change your attitude when it gets annoying or difficult?
- God kicked Adam and Eve out of the Garden for their own good so they wouldn’t live forever trapped in a sinful state. Has there ever been a time where God closed a door, ended a relationship, or said “no” to something you wanted, where you later realized He was actually protecting you?
Prayer
Lord, thank You that You have had the winning plan for history established from the very beginning. When my daily tasks feel like an exhausting chore, remind me that I can glorify You in the small things, and thank You for always looking out for my good—even when it means closing doors I want open. Amen.