Lesson Six

A VERY SAD DAY

 

Memory Verse: John 3:16
Further Study: Genesis 2:8-17; 3; Patriarchs and Prophets 52-62; The Story of Redemption 24-41; The Bible Story, vol. 1, pp. 61-72

I don’t know about you, but when I read the story of Adam and Eve, I cannot help but feel anger, sadness, and frustration. If only they had listened to the warnings given by God, the world wouldn’t be as it is. Why couldn’t they simply obey?

And then, obviously, I realize that the same question can be repeated today. What happened then, happens now. Sin is always at the door, knocking for entrance in enticing ways. Studying their story, helps our story. 

Sin is always at the door, knocking for entrance in enticing ways.

Ellen White reveals something interesting: “Eve had been perfectly happy by her husband’s side in her Eden home; but, like restless modern Eves, she was flattered with the hope of entering a higher sphere than that which God had assigned her. In attempting to rise above her original position, she fell far below it. A similar result will be reached by all who are unwilling to take up cheerfully their life duties in accordance with God’s plan. In their efforts to reach positions for which He has not fitted them, many are leaving vacant the place where they might be a blessing. In their desire for a higher sphere, many have sacrificed true womanly dignity and nobility of character, and have left undone the very work that Heaven appointed them” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 59).

These are strong words and may touch close to home. I doubt anyone reading this has not felt restlessness; the desire for something (or someone) better. Satan lured Eve with flattery, and then followed quickly with a suggestion of dissatisfaction. Once convinced that her situation could be better, it was an easy step to accept forbidden fruit.

Once convinced that her situation could be better, it was an easy step to accept forbidden fruit. 

We aren’t that far away from what happened in Eden, are we? How easy are we complimented? How quickly do we compare? How much time does it take to become dissatisfied with our home, our job, our life, our situation? Each of these takes us away from what God has planned for us. Only He knows what will truly make us happy. Only in His guidance will we attain true worth and satisfaction. Only in God is there cure of our restlessness. Seek Him. Find Him. And when you do, you are renewed.

Digging Deeper 

The counterbalance to the frustration we might feel about Adam and Eve’s serious error in judgment, is the amazing plan of salvation that God and His Son, Jesus, created for them and us. This is encapsulated best in John 3:16. One commentator summed it up this way:*

God The Almighty Authority
So loved the world The Mightiest Motive
That He gave His only begotten Son The Greatest Gift
That whosoever The Widest Welcome
Believes in Him The Easiest Escape
Should not perish The Divine Deliverance
But have everlasting life The Priceless Possession

 * The Enduring Word, David Guzik, enduringword.com

 

Making it Real

Mrs. White draws back the curtain allowing us to “see” what transpired in heaven as a response to sin (The Story of Redemption, p. 42). Jesus approached His Father three times before He emerged with the plan of salvation. This was no easy decision on the part of God the Father. To save us, He must sacrifice His only Son. When you realize that God gave Him for that purpose, how does that help you understand God’s love for man? In what way does that help you understand God’s love for you individually? 

Respond & Share

Eve’s wandering in the garden of Eden is described as “restless.” Satan was able to lure her away simply by flattering her to desire something more than what she already had. In what ways does restlessness affect our world today? Share your thoughts below.

 

_________
Merle Poirier writes from Silver Spring, Maryland, where she works as the operation manager for Adventist Review and Adventist World magazines as well as the designer for KidsView, a magazine for 8-12-year-olds. She enjoys spending time with her family including being the grandmother of two active little boys, who greatly enjoy Starting With Jesus.

 

Coming next week:
“TWO BROTHERS CHOOSE”

Based on Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:1-16;
PP 63-79; SR 42-56; BS, vol. 1, pp. 73-90

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