Christian Living Today

Last time we looked at Jacob’s deathbed prophecies concerning the first half of his sons. Today we will complete this overview.

In closing the first part I asked if you noticed anything striking about these men and the prophecies relating to them and their posterity. As I read and re-read and meditated on Jacob’s final words, I was struck by one point: God’s grace.

God’s grace is so obvious in this list. Judah, a man who proved himself unworthy, is transformed into a leader and granted the lineage of Christ by a pure act of grace. Levi, one called cruel and angry, one cursed by his father for his acts, God graciously chose to make the father of Israel’s priestly line. While God would have been just in allowing both brothers to bear the punishment due their crimes, in both cases He chose, instead, to raise their descendants to positions of honor.

Dan is called a judge by Jacob. At first glance, this could be taken as a positive statement indicating an honor given to this tribe. However, the words which follow suggest a major moral character deficit resulting in dishonesty. Samson, an Israelite judge with a shaking character, was a Danite.The tribe was crafty in their relations with others (Judg 18:1). In fact, one might wonder if some of the Pharisees couldn’t trace their lineage back to Dan. However, Jacob must have loved this son enough to sorrow over his failures. Thus he closed with his only expression of hope of salvation in the whole prophecy. Nonetheless, Dan is omitted from the list of tribes in Rev 7.

Gad is spoken of as being trampled down but overcoming in the end. Perhaps Gad was a man of great persistence. Surely the land they inherited experienced numerous invasions. Unlike Isaachar, Gad fought valiantly and overcame their enemies. Moses alludes to this as well in his blessing in Deut 33.Asher Like Zebulun’s prophecy, Asher’s reveals little about the recipient’s character. Apparently Asher’s offspring were allotted the ‘bread basket’ of Canaan. They obviously made the most of this asset since they are called ‘rich.’ Thus we do learn this second son of Leah’s handmaid spawned an industrious, hard working tribe.

Naphtali was, apparently, a good speaker - perhaps a poet or a story teller. The phrase ‘a deer let loose’ also seems to imply he was a wild man - perhaps most at home in the fields and woods. Commentators take the deer allusion in various ways. However they do refer to the tribe’s military prowess, speed, and agility. Further in the song of Deborah and Barak we see a descendent who used eloquent words (Judg 4). Joseph Unlike the other words spoken to and of his sons, Jacob’s words to and of Joseph ring of blessing. While he alludes to Joseph’s betrayal and speaks of God’s providential care, Jacob uses the word ‘bless’ or ‘blessing’ six times in his speech. Like Judah’s prophecy, Jacob speaks much longer and has much good to say. Also, of note, we find Jacob using five different terms to identify God - perhaps to show some of the ways God had (and would) make Himself real to Joseph and his descendants.Jacob calls God, “Mighty God of Jacob,” “Shepherd,” “Stone of Israel,” “God of your father,” and “Almighty.” Because of the strong relationship Joseph had with God, no doubt these words were a comfort as well as a reminder to him.

Benjamin provides perhaps the most unexpected prophecy. This favorite son of Jacob who appears so docile (even immature) in the scenario with Joseph is called a ravenous wolf by his father. He is pictured as both devouring and dividing all day long (morning and night). This seems to imply greed.Calvin supports this assumption when he points out the plundering aspect which predominated this tribe. However, we do well to remember Israel’s first king (a great warrior), Saul, came from Benjamin. While another who truly was a wolf devouring and dividing Christians, Saul of Tarsus, was transformed by God’s grace into Paul the valiant apostle.

Sadly it has become almost the norm to consider the Old Testament of secondary importance to the New Testament. Some even consider the Old Testament outdated and thus unnecessary to our walk as believers. However, Israel’s sons - the twelve tribes of Israel, play a predominate role in Christian history. Therefore, for this and many other reasons we do well to read through the Old Testament with care.

So often we read through Scripture catching bits and pieces. We enjoy the stories but often skim over genealogies. We read with interest a parable, but rush through a father’s blessings on his son. In so doing we belie the truth in 2 Timothy 3:16 which says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,”

“All Scripture” - every word. I read a lot of books. As a result, I have a well-developed habit of skimming. Thus I must force myself to slow down and focus on the words and phrases as I read my Bible. By slowing down and reading each word then spending some time thinking about the meaning the biblical author sought to convey, I have found rich truths tucked away in the most unlikely places.

Take Jacob’s final words to his sons in Genesis 49. While this can easily be seen as just another list or just another piece of Hebrew poetry, the prophetic words spoke by Jacob to his sons are rich with insight into not only the men’s characters, but also reflective on the type of people their offspring would become. Furthermore, they are instructive of God’s character and ours.

While this list is not ‘strictly’ chronological, there is only one noticeable deviation from basic birth order (by mother). I wonder if this was not purposeful. Thus the list begins with Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn.

Reuben’s life, you may recall, revealed a mixed character. While he was the only brother who sought to spare Joseph’s life, he later revealed his contempt for Jacob by sleeping with his father’s concubine. For this act he lost his birthright. By the time the brothers meet up with Joseph in Egypt, Reuben is no longer treated as the leader. Thus it comes as no surprise Jacob calls this son “unstable as water” suggesting he and his descendant will not excel.John MacArthur pointed out three things of note:- No person of importance came from this tribe.

- In Moses’ final blessing on Israel (Deuteronomy 33) he often reinforce Jacob’s words from Genesis 49. However, Moses only prays Reuben will not die out. That does not sound like a strong and blessed tribe.

- “Unstable as water” actually means “boiling” and alludes to instability.

Simeon & Levi are grouped together in Jacob’s words - perhaps because, together, they plotted an evil plan to avenge Dinah’s disgrace in Shechem. Certainly we know Jacob was not pleased by their acts because these two, second and third in line for the birthright, were also passed over.It is interesting to note it Joseph held Simeon in prison between the brothers’ first and second visits to Egypt. Perhaps Joseph did so to humble him because of his earlier cruelties. Jacob alludes to this cruelty (in both men) as extending to both man and beast. John MacArthur points out:Simeon was

- The smallest tribe in Moses’ 2^nd census (Num 26:14)

- The only tribe which did not receive a blessing from Moses (Deut 33:8)

- The only tribe which ended up sharing their territory (with Judah) (Josh 19:1-9)

Levi was

- Scattered throughout the land (as prophesied) but, by God’s grace and their loyalty (Ex 32:26) became the priestly tribe.

Judah provides, perhaps, the most amazing picture of God’s redemptive grace. Judah goes from conspiring to kill Joseph, to plotting to deceive his daughter-in-law, to fornicating with a supposed harlot while frolicking with heathens, to the spokesperson and leader of his brother. It is clear from Jacob’s words, Judah is the recipient of the birthright. Thus this no good scoundrel has been transformed into a man of courage and responsibility (as seen in his words and actions both times the brothers went to Egypt).Jacob speaks long about Judah, and it is certainly ironic he has says much which is positive. He says Judah will be praised, will triumph over his enemies, will be honored (perhaps this means even worshiped) by the other tribes, will be strong, will beget kings, and, ultimately, the Messiah will come through his line. MacArthur also points out:- In the wilderness, the tribe of Judah went out first - a place of honor (Num 10:14)

- Judah enjoyed the largest population in both of Moses’ censuses (Num 1:27; 26:22)

- Jacob’s words about tying a donkey to a choice vine indicate the tribe would enjoy abundant prosperity.

Zebulun is the only son about whom Jacob speaks only of the tribe’s future location. Jacob says Zebulun will benefit from the sea and enjoy a location near it. Moses alludes to and reinforces this blessing in Deut 33:18. When the land was divided, Zebulun’s allotment was in the richest area in the land-to-sea trade route.While we know little of Zebulun’s life, the words of Jacob, by their brevity, suggest he was neither a great sinner nor a valiant saint. A middle son (Leah’s sixth), Zebulun appears to have stayed in the background. Isaachar is compared to a strong donkey which lies down between two burdens. Surely this is a reflection on the man’s laziness. Jacob speaks to the result of this attitude in saying he (and his offspring) will desire a pleasant land and rest, but as a result will become slaves. Further, while Isaachar is actually Jacob’s 5^th son, he is placed after Zebulun. Could this be another sign of Jacob’s frustration with his son’s heart attitude?Scripture records this tribe as being strong and valiant (1 Chr 7:1-5). However, Calvin points out they were content to pay tribute to their neighbors as long as they could dwell in a fertile and pleasant land. Thus of Jacob’s words Calvin says, “. . .it is probably that their indolence is censured, because their want of energy hindered them from remaining in possession of that liberty. . .divinely granted unto them.”Because the list is long, we will complete it next time. However, I wonder, have you noticed anything striking about any of these men and the prophecies relating to them and their posterity?

“What? Another post on contentment? This blogger must really be an unhappy person! Me? I’m just the opposite. I like where I live. I’m happily married. My kids are great. I even like my dog (or cat or fish).”

Dear Reader,

Forgive me for postulating and possibly putting words in your mouth. I suspect some of you are wondering if I am really that unhappy. My suspicions are based upon my own reaction to the suggestion I read Jeremiah Burroughs book, “The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment”.

Tim Challis is not the first person to recommend this book. In fact, he is probably the third or fourth person. And, quite honestly, were it not for a growing desire to learn and dig and grow - and thus my decision to join with his group of readers, I would probably not be “stuck” on this topic.

You see, I am not an unhappy person. I absolutely love where I live. I have a terrific husband. My children have brought me much joy. My job is more pleasure than pain. I even have a great dog. Thus I was perfectly content to remain blind to lack of real contentment in my heart.

Don’t get me wrong. My life hasn’t been perfect. I have not always been happy. Dark clouds have covered my life. Difficulties and sorrows have camped on my doorstep. However, even after hard providence revealed the shallowness of my happiness, I still did not get the real point.

Remember, real Christian contentment is not being happy with what we have. It is not even bearing up gracefully when we face easy trials or hard. It is so very, very much more! It is, as Jeremiah Burroughs so aptly put it - a RARE jewel with many facets! THAT is why I keep examining it, turning it over in my mind, and seeking to develop it in my ‘happy’ life.

Real Christian contentment is total and complete satisfaction in God! I am finally grasping the reality that I will never be truly content until He is my all-in-all.

During a particularly dark time in my life, a wonderful friend advised me to not read Job. After all, while in Job we can usually find someone who has it worse than us, the story seems - at least at first blush (and especially when our own hearts are struggling) - a bit dark.

Here we have the story of a man who lost it all - EVERYTHING! It doesn’t get much worse than this. And, while most people focus on what is going on behind the scenes (the part Job knows nothing about), I have recently realized Job is actually a great book to read at any time if we focus on Job’s response both to the tragedies in his life (initially) and then to the words of God (at the end).

Here is a man - a truly HAPPY man. Not only was he considered “the greatest of all of the men of the east” (1:3), he was also a godly man who revered God (1:5). He had everything and every reason to be happy. Then, in the space of a few hours he lost it all!

The only thing remaining was his wife, and she was no longer a helpmate but a burden. While Job is the focus of the story, a brief look at his wife is very telling. Without doubt she, too, had been a ‘happy’ person.

We know Job was a godly man, and thus we have no reason to believe he was anything but a good husband. She was an extremely wealthy woman who most likely enjoyed every convenience of her day. She had several children who appear to have been happy and successful - and thus would have made her feel like a good mother and brought her much happiness.

But, look at her reaction to tragedy. Who can doubt what she says to her husband is what she has done (at least in private) already herself? Do you remember her words? “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (2:9)

It is interesting to note the dialogue the Septuagint adds to this verse, “Much time having elapsed, his wife said unto him, How long dost thou stand steadfast, saying, ‘Behold, I wait yet a little longer looking for the hope of my Salvation?’ Behold thy memorial is already blotted out from the earth, together with thy sons and thy daughters, the fruits of my pains and labours, for whom with anxiety I have laboured in vain. Thyself also sittest in the rottenness of worms night and day, while I am a wanderer from place to place, and from house to house, waiting for the setting of the sun, that I may rest from my labours, and from the griefs which oppress me. Speak therefore some word against God, and die.”

Who can blame her? Can any one of us suggest we would not feel the same? Why then, does Job’s response read so differently? After the loss of his children (whom he loved greatly - revisit 1:5), and all of his wealth and possessions Job responds, “Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD.”" (1:20-21)

After the loss of his health (and thus, any hope of ever regaining even a portion of what he had lost), and after his wife encourages him to curse God and die Job responds, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (2:10)

THIS is why I believe reading Job’s story is not an exercise in futility, even in the darkest times in life. Job, my friend, gives us one of the best examples in Scripture of a truly contented Christian! Here is a man who lost it all. There was nothing more, outside of his life - and that would have been gain - he could lose. Even his friends are Satan’s tools for further torture.

The danger is seeing Job as a stoic. Yet Scripture makes it clear he was NOT. He tore his robe. He shaved his head. Furthermore, he dared to seek answers to his situation. And yet, in all of that, he blessed God. Me - well, I have come far too close to mimicking Job’s wife.

God was Job’s ultimate source of happiness. It was not his position or his possessions. It was not his friends or his family. Otherwise, like his wife, there is little doubt he would have cursed God. Yet, as Burroughs has pointed out, a truly contented person finds their ultimate happiness in Christ alone. Everything without Christ = nothing. Christ with nothing else = everything. THAT is true contentment.

Briefly, however, I need to touch on the second point I brought out in part one. Here, again, Job’s story is instructive. Look at 2:8 - “And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes.” At first glance one might assume this was just another ‘sign’ of mourning. To a point it probably was. However, verse 7 says Job’s body was covered with “painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.”

Several commentators suggest the scraping and the ashes may have been a primitive treatment for the ulcers which covered his body. In other words, even in his darkest days, Job does not give up. He does not stop living. He does not stop trying to ‘deal’ with life. Furthermore, at the end of the story we see Job more blessed than at the beginning. Only a fool would suggest he played no role in the production of further children and the regaining of greater wealth. Yes, God blessed his efforts, but God blessed Job’s efforts.

In other words, while he was content to not curse God and die - he was not content to become a victim. Or, to put it another way, as long as we can honestly rest in God’s hand, content with the way He is handling our lives, it is not wrong to seek to remedy our situation.

Returning to our example in part one, if I find myself disabled due to an automobile accident, as a contented Christian I would count the loss of my abilities as nothing in comparison to the glories of knowing Christ. Yet, this does not mean it would be wrong to seek every lawful and reasonable means to improve my situation or even to seek to regain what I have lost.

As long as I treasure Christ above my restored health / limb, as long as I see Him as the ultimate good, as long as I am willing to take from Him whatever answer He sends, there is no sinful discontent in trying to better my situation in any way which is not contrary to His word.

So, like everything else in life, real Christian contentment exists in a tension. We tend to find our ultimate happiness in what we have and who we are and thus seek, at any cost, to protect, maintain, and preserve these things. The stoic, on the other hand, finds his satisfaction in standing emotionless as the waves of life roll over him - and then taking pride in his lack of response or desire to change the situation.

Christian contentment, however, is found at neither extreme! Take another good look at Job’s life if you doubt this reality.

As we delved into the story of the first woman God created, one thing has become clear. People have not changed much in the last few thousand years. Neither has Satan. His tactics remain much the same. Our gullibility remains unfettered. Our sinful tendencies remain unchecked (except for the grace of God). Thus, in our final look at Eve, we are going to focus on the lessons learned and the principles we need to take away from this story.

There is much to learn from Eve’s story even though there are many things we will never know. We are wise to learn from the life stories contained in Scripture. Yet, there is always danger in reading between the lines, or, worse yet, re-writing the story. The greatest danger, however, is in taking something out of context and twisting it to say or imply something which completely contradicts Scripture. If we do, we are guilty of the very sin Eve committed!

I found an excellent example of such a situation at an innocent appearing site entitled, “Women In The Bible”. This site offers some insight into Eve’s story - however, much is far from biblical. In fact, the author’s conclusion sums up their underlying supposition: “The Bible begins as it will continue, with the story of an independent and strong-minded woman who is, like all humans, both creative and destructive. Eve initiates change - was it a good thing, or bad? After all, if we had stayed in the Garden, we would have remained children forever.”

God help us not to believe lies such as this. To ever assume we are better off in sin is to negate Christ’s purpose in dying to remove the power of sin over our life. Furthermore, if we look at Eve’s story - with attention to the New Testament references, we see it was her independent and strong-minded actions which introduced despair and destruction to the human race.

In fact, from Eve’s story we learn at least three valuable (and too often unwanted) lessons. And, before we shrug them off as old-fashioned, out-of-date, or ultra conservative, we would be wise to ask ourselves if these conclusions are in keeping Scripture’s overall teaching on the subject. If they are, we should ask ourselves why our tendency is to resist them with such vigor.

From Eve we learn:

1-God has designed wives to find their protection and direction from their own husbands. Satan’s ploy would never have been successful if Eve had not left her husband’s side.2-Questioning God’s word and purpose often leads us to discontent and other sins. Eve was someplace she should never have been. It is doubtful her steps would have lead her to the tree if her mind was not already captured with ‘why’.

3-A woman has a greatly under-rated and despised role which, in God’s plan, is actually extremely important and blessed. While part of Eve’s curse was the sorrow (toil is the first meaning (3:16) and pain is the second meaning) which accompanies her role, the curse came after the promise - from the woman would come the Redeemer who would crush Satan’s power once and for all.

About God we learn: 1-He is incredibly merciful and gracious.2-He has a reason for the rules He makes and what He requires of us.

First we see God has designed women to find their protection and direction from men. Satan’s ploy would never have been successful if Eve had not left her husband’s side. God said our husbands will rule over us.God designed men to take the leadership role. This was His design - and it was GOOD. Yet hundreds of thousands of women (many are Christian women) have chosen a different path. Then we wonder why it is so hard. We wonder why the end result isn’t what we thought it would be. We wonder why God does not seem to be blessing our lives like we thought He would. I suspect, until God clarified the point, Eve may have wondered much the same thing.

Second, questioning God’s word and purpose often leads us to discontent which leads to other sins. Eve was someplace she should never have been. It is doubtful her steps would have lead her to the tree if her mind was not already captured with curiosity and questions.

How many times have we questioned God’s word? Surely He didn’t say. . . Surely He didn’t mean. . . Surely we misunderstood. Surely our pastor is not interpreting that passage correctly. Surely Paul didn’t mean that. Surely that doesn’t apply to Christians today. Isn’t that exactly what Satan said to Eve?

Third, a woman has a greatly under-rated and despised role which, in God’s plan, is actually extremely important and blessed. While part of Eve’s curse was the sorrow (toil is the first meaning (3:16) and pain is the second meaning) which would accompany her position, the curse came after the promise - from the woman would come the Redeemer who would crush Satan’s power once and for all.

If there is any lie which has had an extremely negative impact on women today, it is that being a wife and a mother is a second-hand, lesser-than calling. For the last 40 or so years, women have flocked to the workplace. Children are left to raise themselves. Husbands often share (or abdicate) their leadership role. Wives are stretched thin and are often angry at the demands placed upon them. Yet we have done it to ourselves.

We despise God’s plan. We question the wisdom and goodness in His design. And - we reap the results. Just like Eve.

The lessons we learn from Eve’s sin and its result are expected. However, I am amazed at God’s response! He is so very merciful and gracious. Why? He didn’t have to be. He didn’t have to pardon their sin. The world was young. Why not start over with another prototype? Why not kill them then and there? Why not scrap the entire idea? Why promise ‘Himself’ to provide the cure?

When you read God’s plan that your husband will rule over you, does it not make your hair stand on end just a little? Don’t you bow you neck just a bit? Don’t your teeth clench just a tad? Probably. Yet, this decree came from a merciful and good God. You are alive because of His mercy and goodness. Why, oh why, do we so quickly see Him as overbearing and unkind? Why? Because we believe the serpent’s lie.

If only we could remember what Eve forgot. God has a reason for the rules He makes and what He requires of us. He has a plan. He sees in ‘total’; we see in ‘part.’ Like Eve, we think we are getting the short end of the deal, and, like Eve, we make choices which cost us and our offspring dearly.

God help us to see through Satan’s lies. God grant us the grace to trust and obey!

We have looked at Eve’s story from several angles in our last three posts. However, one question we must never overlook in our Bible study is: ‘what does Scripture say about Scripture?’ Especially when looking at an Old Testament passage or character, we are wise to see if the New Testament has anything to say about the subject (or person). Like the Old, the New Testament does not have much to say about Eve, but it is important to note where the two passages place their focus.

In 2 Cor 11:3 we read, “. . .as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness. . .” The focus here appears to be on Eve’s deception. Jamison, Faucett, Brown say sin is, “. . .the utter foe of the ‘simplicity’ which is intent on ONE object, Jesus. . .love Him with tender SINGLENESS OF AFFECTION. . .”

Oh, that we would learn this lesson. To the degree our minds and hearts are not intent on Jesus Christ and Him crucified - to that degree we are open to the Devil’s wiles. This is such a basic warning, and yet, it is the hardest for us to head. We do not love Him as we ought. Thus we are far too easily drawn aside from our ‘singleness of affection.’

The second New Testament passage which speaks of Eve is in 1 Tim 2:13-14. Here we read, “For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression.”

I believe this is one of those verses which has been abused regularly down through the ages. Women hate its implication. Men love what they consider its declaration. Reality is, sin is working in both sexes! If you do not heartily agree (regardless of ‘who’ you are), you are as deluded as Eve.

This verse does not give men the license to ‘lord’ it over women. This does not remove the guilt of sin from mankind (read a few of those verses about Adam’s sin). This also does not imply women are dumber or less intelligent or even more gullible.

Yet, before we stick our noses in the air, ladies, this verse does say some things we DO NOT want to hear. In this passage, Paul is clearly relating to the creation order, and the need (even stronger, the command) for women to be in subjection to their husbands.

I know, subjection is not a popular word. We are ‘equals’ and should be treated as such. In one sense this is true. Remember Calvin’s words: “both were formed from the same ‘substance,’ they are equally human - equal in power, faculties, and rights.”

As Christians we have equal access to God’s throne. We are equally important to Him. We are equally valuable to Him. Nonetheless, in our human relationships, women were made to be ‘help mates.’ Ours is not the leadership role.

In our culture we translate that to say: we are of less importance. Here we are, dear sisters, stepping into Eve’s shoes. We are discontent with the role God has given us and, instead of looking at the blessings He has bestowed upon us, we look with longing at that ‘leadership’ tree - it sure looks good, it sure seems pleasant, surely we are better equipped to fill that role!

Fools - each one of us. Calvin, reiterating some basic Scriptural truth, said, “God did not create two chiefs of equal power. . . Because she had given fatal advice, it was right that she should learn that she was under the power and will of another; and because she had drawn her husband aside from the command of God, it was right that she should be deprived of all liberty and placed under the yoke.”

Hard words. We do not like to hear them. We do not wish to obey them. We chafe at God’s dictates. And, yet, we MUST remember - we are not second-class human beings. We are God’s children, created to obey Him. And, ladies, this is the high calling which God has given us. Are we content to submit to His will, or will we, like Eve allow Satan to twist God’s good words and lead us into sin?

Sometimes we have a hard time obeying Scripture because we want to interpret it through the lens of our cultural ‘norms’. Thus in our final segment we will look at Eve’s story and the lessons it teaches from a couple more angles.

In our first look into Eve’s story we were introduced to this well-known and, I dare say, unknown woman. In our second installment we perused the questions: Why did Satan tempt Eve? and Why did God put an off-limits tree in the garden in the first place?

As we continue to delve into Eve’s story, one thing becomes clear. Satan hasn’t changed his tactics since the beginning of time. If only our hearts were not so easily swayed, if only our minds were filled with more truth, if only we were content to obey, regardless, oh how much easier our lives would be.

Like us, when faced with temptation Eve had more than one choice. Scripture says there is always a way of escape. (1 Cor 10:13) However, like Eve, we often do not even look for it. Satan has done his work so well, we just rush into whatever he is suggesting. And, like Eve, we are all too willing to buy his story.

It is interesting to look at the various mental steps Eve takes in this downward spiral. Note Genesis 3:6: “So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. . . .”

Eve first notes the fruit’s food value, then its pleasantness, then its desirable ‘wisdom’ aspects - which was the entire point of Satan’s temptation. Why in this order? What is Eve thinking?

One thing is obvious. Sin corrupts ever fiber and pour of our being. When we submit to sin’s devices, we are not just assenting mentally or just assenting physically. We commit to it in every aspect.

Thus Calvin concludes, “She could previously behold the tree with such sincerity, that no desire to eat of it affected her mind; for the faith she had in the word of God was the best guardian of her heart, and of all her senses. But now, after the heart had declined from faith, and from obedience to the word, she corrupted both herself and all her senses, and depravity was diffused through all parts of her soul as well as all her body. It is therefore a sign of impious defection, that the woman now judges the tree to be good for food, eagerly delights herself in beholding it, and persuades herself that it is desirable for the sake of acquiring wisdom; whereas before she had passed by it a hundred times with an unmoved and tranquil look.”

How frightfully true! Sin so corrupts us we think good is bad and bad is good. How many times have we awoke from our sinful stupor to wonder at how this could have enticed us in the first place? How often, in the mire of our sinfulness, have the scales fallen off our eyes leaving us amazed at our own stupidity?

Calvin goes on to warn, “If we once accept a suggestion from the enemy, and begin to reason about it, it is all over. In Eve we see how disobedience presented itself and. . .justified itself to her. . .She judged of it entirely in the light of what the serpent had said, and not at all in the light of what God had said. . .How often we reason ourselves into believing that wrong is right. . .We get the three forms of lust here; the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. . .God excluded from the confidence of His creature, His solemn warning disregarded, and the lust and will of the creature made the deciding factor. That is the fall.”

We will ALWAYS justify our sin. We use many means, many methods, and many devices - but, in every case, when we cease to listen to God’s word and begin to reason within ourselves based on anything but His word, we are already there. Surely this speaks to the importance of hiding God’s word in our hearts!

As Jamison, Faucett, Brown put it, “The history of every temptation, and of every sin, is the same; the outward object of attraction, the inward commotion of mind, the increase and triumph of passionate desires; ending in the degradation, slavery, and ruin of the soul.”

This Old Testament passages teach us at least two things:

1) Sin is EASY to fall into. If our first mother, she who had walked with God and had no corrupt nature to fight against, could be tricked and beguiled into discontentment and dissatisfaction - and thus into sin, how much more should we watch ourselves. While Satan had to work to turn her heart, our own are deceitful and desperately wicked and far too willing to yield to his devices!2) All sin is a result of turning our backs on the truths of God’s word. Had Eve never doubted God’s word, she would never have taken that fatal step and plunged herself and her progeny into sin.Yet, Eve’s story does not stop here. In fact, it is important to note where the New Testament writers place their focus when discussing our first mother. The New Testament only has two references to Eve. Both references touch on her sin. However, each reference focuses on a different key point. We will look at these next time.

In my last post we looked briefly at Eve’s origin and contemplated the reason Satan pursued her rather than Adam. As we continue our study into Eve’s life, I encourage you to move forward with an open mind. Blame throwing has occurred since the beginning of time. Men have blamed women. Women have blamed men. Yet, if we look honestly at the story both were responsible. Both sinned. Thus it behooves us to learn. Learn a little more about ourselves. Learn a little more about the Devil’s tactics.

Certainly we know from Satan’s character he always goes after the path of least resistence. Obviously Eve was the most vulnerable. However, we should ask ourselves - What role did Eve play in making herself vulnerable? Where was she? Obviously somewhere she should NOT have been.

Possibly driven by curiosity, Eve put herself in the fatal situation. Satan did not have to lead Eve to the tree. She was already there. If she had not placed herself into a compromising situation, it is unlikely Satan’s ruse would have worked. We do well to remember the warning in Proverbs 4:15: “Avoid it, do not travel on it; Turn away from it and pass on.”

While we may never know the full reason Satan presented the ultimate temptation to Eve, not Adam, it is obvious his goal was to reach Adam through his wife. Satan works this way. We see him using the same tactic on Job, via his wife, and on Christ, via Peter. Matthew Henry says, “Satan tempted Eve, that by her he might tempt Adam. . .It is his policy to send temptations by unsuspecting hands, and theirs that have most interest in us and influence upon us.” We must beware of being Satan’s tool to tempt another!

Having caught Eve’s ear, why did Satan begin his address by twisting God’s words? Certainly that seems an odd place to start. Why did he not just tempt her with the beauty and flavor and desirability of the fruit?

For one, it is obvious Eve was not standing at the base of this particular tree because she was hungry. She may have even already been pondering ‘why’ this particular fruit was off limits. We are certainly good at asking God ‘why’. In fact, instead of faith, we most frequently turn to questioning God’s words and purposes.

Of course, this begs the question: Why did God create this tree in the first place? Why not just create a world where there were no choices, no dangers, no questions?

Calvin says, “. . .man was the governor of the world, with this exception, that he should, nevertheless, be subject to God. A law is imposed on him in token of his subjection. . .the prohibition of one tree was a test of obedience. . .[to teach Adam and all to follow] to reverence His deity. . .that man might know he had a Director and Lord of his life, on whose will he ought to depend, and in whose commands he ought to acquiesce.”

This is an EXTREMELY important point. Clearly, from the beginning, man was created as a creature accountable to a Creator! Thus, while mankind still seeks to throw off God’s sovereign rule and authority, we are doing little more than our first parents - and will have just as much success.

Matthew Henry reminds us to “acknowledge God’s right to rule us, and our own obligations to be ruled by Him; and never allow any will of our own in contradiction to, or competition with, the holy will of God.” If we are honest, we must admit, this is the root of all our sin. Let no man, then, think ‘he’ is not as guilty or vulnerable as ‘she’ (or vice-versa) for both genders are continually guilty of this sin.

It is also interesting to note the emotion God used in man to assist him in avoiding the ultimate sin. Man was awed by the God’s threats. In other words, God warned Adam through words, and Adam obeyed because he ‘feared’ the outcome of his disobedience. Matthew Henry notes, “Fear is one of the handles of the soul, by which it is taken hold of and held.”

He further states, “This prohibition checked both [Adam’s] appetite toward sensitive delights and his ambitions of curious knowledge, that his body might be ruled by his soul and his soul by His God.” If this is true, then Eve’s soul was obviously not as ‘in awe’ of God as it should have been.

This should come as no surprise. Which one of us can say we reverence God as we ought? If we did, without doubt, we would sin far less and consider our sin much more seriously. This also flies in the face of the faulty reasoning which suggests we need to rub shoulders with the world if we are to ‘understand’ and thus ‘reach’ the world. This is exactly what God had denied Adam!

There is another question even more basic than why Satan tempted Eve. Calvin asks: Why did Satan bother to tempt Eve at all? His answer, “he was the adversary of God [so he]. . .attempted to subvert the order established by Him. . .because he could not drag God from His throne, he assailed man, in whom His image was shown.”

So, back to the temptation. As Calvin suggested, the serpent may have conversed with Eve on earlier occasions. Certainly the conversation has the tone of a longer dialogue which has led up to the questions Scripture records. Satan is using his basic tactic - to get Eve to feel contempt toward God’s words and regulations.

There are two dangerous principles working here. One is the suggestion we should only obey God as far as we can reason through His command. The other is that God is withholding something ‘good’ from us and giving us something lesser.

Thus at the root of Satan’s temptation was the attack on Eve’s heart and mind. He attacked her mind by suggestion God’s word was not reasonable nor understandable (to her) and thus required no true obedience. He attacked her heart by getting her to doubt God’s goodness and focusing on what she could not have. Thus he sowed the seed of discontentment which flowered quickly in her heart.

I find it extremely interesting to note how cyclical my studies are. I start looking at a Bible character and end up back in Jeremiah Burroughs’ book on contentment. If I doubted the basic truth he is expounding - that discontentment is at the root of all sin - Eve’s story certainly proves him accurate.

I have read through the Bible several times over the past years. While this has been an important aspect of my Spiritual growth, I have often felt like I passed by too quickly. Sometimes I felt like a traveler, rushing down the freeway and then going home and saying, “I’ve been there!”

There is a big difference between a traveler and an explorer. A traveler pass by. An explorer stops to look, to question, to ponder. Thus, this time through the Bible I have decided to act more like an explorer than a traveler.

For the curious - I am just going slower - usually a chapter a day. I am taking notes and jotting down questions (and answers, if/when appropriate) on what I read. I am seeking to implant more into my mind. For, as I have admitted in earlier posts, I tend to forget almost as quickly as soon as I step away from whatever I am reading / listening to.

Another aspect to my current Bible study is: I plan to look at various biblical characters in greater depth. Some I think I know about, others I have only passed by. Eve is one whom I have always thought I knew. Yet, as I dug into her story, I found much to question - much to ponder - much to apply.

I am what my culture would most likely title “A Strong Woman.” I have strong opinions. I have a strong work ethic (and expect it in others). I am probably not an easy woman for my husband to lead, even though, thankfully, my parents raised me to realize a wife’s role as helpmate.

Even so I must admit I often fail to follow willingly. I often have to bit back a non-submissive response (and, to my shame, I do not always bite it back). I often have to battle a non-Christian, non-helpmate attitude. Thus, digging into Eve’s life was a good reminder - and a good lesson!

Perhaps the most striking point of Eve’s story is its brevity. When you consider the importance of her role in the propagation of mankind, even in mankind’s fall into sin, the lack of information about Eve is notable.

Basically her story begins with her creation by God from man’s rib (Gen 2:21-22). Much has been made of this, and no doubt with good reason. Why was she created from man, and not from dust like man (Gen 2:7)? Her physical makeup is no different, but her origin is. Why from a rib and not from another bone? Why from bone and not some other substance? Obviously there is a reason.

John Calvin suggests three:

1) Because both were formed from the same ‘substance,’ they are equally human - equal in power, faculties, and rights.

2) Because Eve was formed from Adam (and not as a separate entity), she ought to be more willing to submit to him because she is a part of him.

3) Because Adam found, in Eve, a piece of himself, he ought to more willingly, lovingly, and diligently protect and care for her.

Matthew Henry adds that woman is the crown of creation. If man is dust refined, woman is dust doubly-refined. Thus she is even further removed from the base elements of the earth. Furthermore Matthew Henry is the one who penned the now-famous analogy: “Woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head to rule over him, nor out of his feet to be trampled upon by him, but out of his side to be equal with him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be beloved.”

While woman is the crown of creation, she is also a pivotal actor in the fall of mankind into sin. One is glorious, the other notorious!

Why did the serpent tempt Eve? He could have (at least theoretically) tempted Adam. Possibly he already had, but unsuccessfully. However Scripture does not say, and if he had, I suspect Adam would have warned Eve and protected her more diligently.

Maybe the serpent came to the woman because God had warned Adam directly (Gen 2:16-17) but perhaps Eve had only heard the warning second-hand from her husband’s lips. Certainly this superior knowledge placed a heavier weight of responsibility on Adam to protect his wife. Furthermore, while Adam does not appear to have been privy to the conversation between Eve and Satan, he does not appear to have been too far away (Gen 3:6).

John Calvin makes an interesting supposition. He believes, based on the tone of the conversation and Eve’s reaction to a ‘talking beast,’ this was not Eve’s first conversation with the serpent (Gen 3:1-6). This, of course, raises the question: Had she not mentioned this unusual intercourse with Adam? If so, where was he?

To add further credence to this supposition, note Satan’s usual tactics. We all face temptation - usually on an extremely regular basis. Does Satan not approach us at an angle? Does he not lure us in slowly? Certainly the Devil’s tactics have never been bold and out front. Why, then, should we expect his approach to Eve to have been any different?

Jamison, Faucett, and Brown suggest Satan attacked Eve because, “. . .of her having been but a short time in this world, her limited experience of the animal[s]. . .and above all, her being alone, unfortified by the presence and counsels of her husband.”

Most certainly the last point is true. There is little doubt Satan’s temptation would not have been as effective had he been facing both Adam and Eve. In fact, there is an important lesson to both men and women here. When we face a situation which tempts us, our first reaction ought to be to find a friend to hold us accountable to the truth.

Next time we will look more deeply into the temptation and Eve’s response which plunged a perfect world into a fallen state.

It was the night of April 14, 1912. The RMS Titanic sailed swiftly on the bitterly cold ocean waters heading unknowingly into the pages of history. On board this luxury ocean liner were many rich and famous people. At the time of the ship’s launch, it was the world’s largest man-made moveable object.

John Harper and his much-beloved six-year-old daughter, Nana, were also on board the ship that night. John Harper had been saved at a young age and had taken to street preaching at the age of 17. Just preaching and winning souls.

Having lost his wife, two years earlier, he and Nana were traveling to America. John Harper had been asked to fill the pulpit at a church in Chicago, Illinois. His passion for souls was all consuming. Testimonies of survivors related how on the ship Mr. Harper had led Bible Studies, and how he would teach people about the love of Jesus Christ.

At 11:40 p.m. on that fateful night, an iceberg scraped the ship’s starboard side, showering the decks with ice and ripping open six watertight compartments. The sea poured in.

According to documented reports, as soon as it was apparent that the ship was going to sink, John’s sister, Jessie, who had come along as Nana’s nanny related how Mr. Harper ran into the room, told her the ship had struck an iceburg. He scooped up his daughter into his arms and rushed with Jessie to the deck.

John Harper immediately took his daughter to a lifeboat. It is reasonable to assume that this widowed preacher could have easily gotten on board; however, it never seems to have crossed his mind. He bent down and kissed his precious little girl. Looking into her eyes he told her that she would see him again someday.

The flares going off in the dark sky above reflected the tears on his face as he turned and headed toward the crowd of desperate humanity on the sinking ocean liner. As the rear of the huge ship began to lurch upwards, Harper was seen making his way up the deck yelling, “Women, children, and unsaved into the lifeboats!”

Only minutes later the Titanic began to rumble deep within. Most people thought it was an explosion. Actually the gargantuan ship was literally breaking in half. At this point, many people jumped off the decks into the icy, dark waters below. John Harper was one of these people.

That night 1528 people went into the frigid waters. John Harper was seen swimming frantically to people in the water leading them to Jesus before the hypothermia became fatal. Mr. Harper swam up to one young man who had climbed up on a piece of debris. Pastor Harper asked him between breaths, “Are you saved?”

The young man replied he was not. Harper, then, tried to lead him to Christ only to have the young man who was near shock, reply ‘No.’

John Harper then took of his life jacket and threw it to the man and said, “Here then, you need this more than I do.” He then swam away to other people.

A few minutes later Harper swam back to the young man and succeeded in leading him to salvation. Of the 1528 people that went into the water that night, six were rescued by lifeboats. One of them was this young man on the debris.

Four years later, at a survivors meeting, this young man stood up and with tears coursing down his face recounted how after John Harper had led him to Christ, Mr. Harper had tried to swim back to help other people. However, he had grown too weak to swim. His last words before going under in the frigid waters were these. . .

“Believe on the Lord, Jesus Christ, and you will be saved.”

In a culture which exalts ‘feminism’, we have completely lost our moorings. No longer do the majority of women, even Christian women (or men), understand how a Christian woman is to look. As Lydia Shanks put it in her article “Courageous Femininity”, published in May’s Next Webzine, there are two extremes.

At one extreme we find the woman who is “passive apathetic, and reclusive. . .cower[ing] in fear, unwilling to serve with passion because she somehow thinks that service is always best left to the men. . .” At the other is the woman “whose faith and life are oppressive, suspicious and egotistical. . .she wants her way, right away and leaves no room for others to lead or serve.”

It can be extremely instructive to study the lives of biblical women. Many people have studied and gleaned valuable insight from well-known biblical characters: Sarah, Esther, Ruth, and Mary. We would do well to observe these women, study their lives, and seek to emulate the good and avoid the bad. However, even lesser known biblical characters can teach us much.

Lydia is one example. The Bible contains only three verses which refer to her (Acts 16:14-15, 40). Here we read,

“Now a certain woman named Lydia heard us. She was a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul. And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” So she persuaded us. . .So they went out of the prison and entered the house of Lydia; and when they had seen the brethren, they encouraged them and departed.”There is much we can learn - both directly and from inference - about this woman even though only three verses are given to her story.Lydia is a woman’s woman. She lived a life most modern feminists would envy, yet she did so as a godly woman. Lydia Shanks called her position one of “courageous femininity” the ability to “serve with both passion and humility; speak with both boldness and self-control; lead with confidence and gentleness.”

What does this look like? Let’s let Lydia, the seller of purple, show us.

What can we know about Lydia?

1) She was a seller of purple (also called ‘turkey-red’)

2) She was from Thyatira, Asia’s center of commerce3) She worshiped God even before her conversion

4) The Lord opened her heart to Paul’s teaching

5) She was extremely hospitable

6) She had a house in Philippi

7) She was a founding member of the Philippian church - a church which was Paul’s “joy and crown” (Phil 1:18)

This is a fairly short list, yet we observe some obvious characteristics. First we see Lydia was a single woman. Single? That struck me as unique - and it was probably even more unique in her day. Yet, there is no mention, anywhere, of Lydia having a husband.Thus we see a single woman who is an extremely successful business owner. She is a seller of purple. In other words, she sold the most rare cloth in the land - the cloth of royalty. She was not only a ‘sales-woman’, she was selling a product to the highest levels of her society.

Furthermore while the text tells us Lydia was from Thyatira, she had a home and staff in Philippi. This suggests she was not only ‘a’ seller of purple, she was an extremely successful seller of purple. In other words, Lydia was most likely a wealthy woman.

Thus we see Lydia was a wealthy, single woman. However, her wealth did not appear to have been given to her. Not by right of birth. Not by right of inheritance. Apparently by right of her industrious nature, Lydia was a well to do lady. Furthermore, we are told she had a ‘household’. Thus she not only managed a business, she managed a large home. Obviously she was not only industrious, she had leadership qualities too.

Lydia was single, wealthy, industrious, and a leader. However, unlike the feminist of today who would, most likely, consider she had earned her right to be waited upon, Lydia was also a servant. This woman did not content herself with reaching the pinnacle of success. Once there she stooped to serve others. This makes her amazing.

Notice verse 15. Whether you read it in the KJV, NKJV, RSV, or the ESV the message is clear. She ‘begged, urged, besought’ Paul and his companions to come stay at her house. Step back and look at this. We have a single woman inviting FOUR men to stay to her house (Paul, Silas, Timothy, and Luke). Furthermore, there is not the slightest hint she thought first about the condition of her home, the food in her larder, or the plans she had for the following days or weeks. The text says, “And when she and her household were baptized, she begged us. . .”

Thus we see Lydia was extremely hospitable. She obviously put the comfort of others ahead of her own agenda, her own plans, her own needs. And, lest we attribute darker motives to her inviting four men to her home, there is absolutely NOTHING in the text to support such suppositions. Clearly she was a woman with a servant’s heart who saw a need and stepped in to meet it.

So we see a single, wealthy, industrious woman with leadership qualities but a servant’s heart. Now, however, we get to the important issue. Lydia was also a ‘worshiper of God.’ She was a worshiper before she was converted. Thus, from her viewpoint we would call her a ‘serious seeker’, yet a peek behind the scenes shows us the ‘hound of heaven’ is on her tail. God is working in her heart, and, with the arrival of Paul, she finds the answers she is seeking.

Lydia’s combination of leadership qualities and a servants heart make her an ideal example for Christian women of today. Lydia knew how to administer a household, run a business, and make money. No doubt, even in her day, she was considered a successful woman. She was courageous. She was self-motivated. She was organized. She was a go-getter. However, she was still a woman. She did not consider it beneath her to serve. She did not need to be in the front and center of everything which was happening. How can I be so sure? There are at least two ‘proofs’ in the text.

One - she met with the women at the riverside to pray, but it nowhere suggests she was a leader in this group. She appears to just be ‘one of the women’.

Two - she was an influential founding member of the Philippian church. However, when Paul wrote to Philippi ten years later, unlike almost every other letter he wrote, there are virtually no admonitions. This church was healthy. It was growing. It was running as a biblically designed church should run. In other words, Lydia had obviously not pushed to be a leader even though she had great leadership skills and was a ‘charter’ member.

What can we learn from this woman’s life?

1) Hospitality is commendable whether one is single or married. While it is our tendency to wait until . . ., Lydia did not wait. There is no discernable passage of time between her conversion and baptism and her invitation to Paul and his companions.

2) If we are hospitable, we often feel we have done our duty if we have someone over once a month or once very two or three months. However, Lydia shows us a woman who appears to have had at least some of Paul’s group in her house for a period of time. Then she stepped it up and apparently offered her home as a gathering place for the entire new Philippian church.

3) Scripture does NOT say women are to be simpering wimps in the background, never thinking a thought of their own making, never attempting anything without male oversight. While a married woman is to obey her husband, as long has he is not opposed to her plans, she ought to seek to be industrious.

This, of course, does not mean she has to have an outside job. That is another lie our culture has sold the church. However, if her responsibilities at home and to God are not being compromised, there is no reason a woman ‘can’t’ have an outside job. Lydia and the Proverbs 31 woman both make this clear.

4) This last point is probably the hardest one for people today to understand. Strong women can be lead. This is a two-pronged issue. A strong woman’s husband must not feel intimidated by his wife’s skills and abilities. As his wife, if she is fulfilling her proper role, her strengths can be funneled into channels which benefit the entire family.

On the other hand, a strong woman can be lead if she is willing to embrace her biblical role as a woman. Lydia is the perfect example of a biblically strong woman. She was strong yet she did not feel the need to usurp authority which did not belong to her. She was strong yet she was obviously content to take a supportive role.

Lydia Shanks put it quite succinctly when she said, “Somewhere between our culture’s flimsy image of femininity and its brazen promotion of feminism, we have lost sight of God’s courageous, humble call for how Christian women are to live.” May we see, in Lydia’s example, the blueprint for a strong, humble, fully Christian woman.