Today we see humanity’s response to God. Though only one simple rule was given, Adam and Eve could not obey. No matter how completely God supplied for their every need, they wanted the one thing they couldn’t have. The result of their sin is that they messed things up for everyone. Conflict arose between humanity and God, between each other, and between them and creation. All of these issues we still struggle with today. God’s response recognizes the danger of what humanity has done and he therefore must subject humanity to frustration and death so evil cannot grow unchecked. Even in the midst of humanity’s failure, God gives a ray of hope. In verse 15 we are told, “He will strike your head.” In Revelation 20:2, we are told that the serpent was Satan, and this is a promise that Satan will one day be defeated by someone who will be born of a woman - that’s Jesus! Paul makes reference to this in Galatians 4:4-5 when he says, “God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.” Today’s chapter demonstrates God’s generosity. He is rejected by humanity but responds with more generosity, a common theme throughout the Bible.
We can still create conflict between ourselves and God and between ourselves and others when we reject God’s generosity. I’m thankful that God loves me despite my failings!