The devil’s first words in the Bible were “Did God really say … ?” (Genesis 3:1). His initial temptation of the humans God created was to sow just a little doubt about the words of their Creator.
God had spoken clearly. Adam and Eve enjoyed plenty of freedom in the beauty of the garden. Just the one boundary – honoring the Lord by following his command to avoid the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.
God’s boundaries in the laws of Scripture are for our benefit. They guard a good and holy life that brings us joy and fulfillment. The same question of the serpent arises in all hearts, even . . . . those of Christians: “Did God really say that?” “Did God really mean it?”
Beginning to negotiate with God’s clear words is the slippery slope that leads people, societies, and, yes, some churches away from God and true life. There has been so much playing with the meaning of marriage, sex, gender, family, eternity, wealth, and purpose in recent times. None of these “new” ways are bringing us a better life. They are bringing us instead more anxiousness, loss of direction, self-centeredness, and lack of hope.
God also speaks words of promise in this reading. One from among Eve’s offspring would save. God did say how we should obey. And he also did say what he would do when we failed. He repeated that promise through the centuries and fulfilled it in Jesus Christ. On the cross the serpent struck his heel, but there the serpent’s head was crushed.
When doubt asks us, “Did God really say?” we answer, “Yes. He did.” And his Word in both command and promise still stands.
Now the serpent … said to the woman, “Did God really say, ‘You must not eat from any tree in the garden’?” (Genesis 3:1)
14So the Lord God said to the serpent, … 15And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:14-15)