Many a mom, myself included, thinks, “You can try to hurt me, but stay away from my kids.” If you want to see a gentle mama turn into a ferocious “bear,” then try to harm her babies. You will see a totally different personality emerge.
I’m convinced that the temptation in the garden of Eden resulted because Satan decided to attack what was most dear to God’s heart, Adam and Eve. Because of his absolute hatred for God and God’s goodness, he went after God’s beloved.
Throughout Scripture, there are three distinct entities…God, humanity and God’s enemy, Satan. Time and time again, you see evil seek the demise of man but I think the real target is the heart of God.
Satan’s goal has never changed. Jesus told us that Satan wants to “steal, kill and destroy.” Not only does Satan hate God, he loathes anyone who loves God. So he plots to steal hope, peace and joy. He diligently works to kill healthy relationships. He attempts to destroy health – whether it be spiritual health, emotional health or physical health.
Continuing through the book of Genesis, we get our first glimpse of God’s ferociousness. He cursed the serpent. God said to him, “Cursed are you above all the livestock and all the wild animals! You will crawl on your belly and you will eat dust all the days of your life. And 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).
God is more powerful than Satan and He will be victorious in the lives of His beloved children. Why? Because His love for His children is unfailing. Unfailing! That’s the descriptive word the Bible uses many times. Unfailing.
Time and time again, Scripture has revealed that God’s prophecies are fulfilled in His perfect timing. The serpent now slithers around on its belly. Satan did strike the heal of Christ but it was not a mortal wound. The serpent’s head was crushed through Christ’s resurrection, ascension and forever reign; however, his body continues to thrash around causing as much evil as he can until the day when “the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan” will be “thrown into the lake of burning sulfur” and will be “tormented day and night for ever and ever” (Revelation 20:2, 10).
Why hasn’t God ordered the fulfillment of this prophecy yet? Why hasn’t He restored order in His creation? Why hasn’t He told His Son, “I’ve had enough. Go get your bride.”?
One reason. “God is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but for everyone to come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8b). But beware! Peter follows with the warning, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare” (3:9).
Until that day, God’s children can rest in His fierce, unfailing love and His promises to see us safely home.
Questions to ponder:
What temptations are meant for my demise?
Do I trust God’s fierce unfailing love for me?
debponders 