2 Reflections on the story so far:
1--Why does God keep retelling the same story?
We saw it first with Adam, then Noah, with Israel in the wilderness, with Israel in the PL during the time of the judges. And now we see it even after a king from Judah sits on the throne of Israel. Why have all of these new beginnings–these Eden reboots–failed? Because the enemy within must also be crushed. Rebellion is bound up in the hearts of humanity. And these repeated stories show us just how bad the problem of sin is, because we don’t always believe it, but our greatest enemy is not the wretched curse on the world. It’s arguably not even the snake–we’ve seen his impotence in his multiple failed efforts to prevent the birth of the one who will crush him. It’s not his offspring who are the biggest threat. No, the biggest threat facing humanity is our own traitorous heart, and the desires we have–to cast off God’s cords and bonds and to make ourselves King in his place. How will the King of Glory crush this enemy–the one that is so entwined around the hearts even of his chosen nation? You’ll have to keep reading to find out. But just remember–these Eden reboots all failed because of sin. Not because of the snake–though he is crafty and he will certainly use the curse on the ground and our own evil inclinations against us–but ultimately these Eden reboots failed because of sin, the enemy within. And because we are slow to understand and believe, God keeps telling the same story.
2--Notice how many ways God repackages the story to drive home his message–that in spite of our sin, he loves us and wants to be with us. He speaks of his love for his people like the love a Father has for his children. He speaks of his love for his people like a husband has for his wife. He speaks of his love for his people like a shepherd has for his flock. He’ll repackage this message over and over again, so that the truth of it begins to dawn on our darkened minds and we finally believe it–that God really loves us! And despite everything–the evil attempts of the snake, the multiplication of his offspring, the curse of death that hangs over us, even our own wayward hearts–despite all of this, he will send the King of Glory to crush all these enemies and deliver us from their enslaving power–so that we can be with God, joyful and glad of heart for all the prosperity he grants to his people through their great King of Glory!
MOMS Spring Tea Steadfast Stories
Habits of Humility | Heidi Brazis | MOMS 4.2324
Job Lesson 10 | Job's Confession & Restoration | Job 42 | Pam Larson 4.17.24
From My Youth | Pastor Ben Katterson | MOMS 4.9.24
Job Lesson 9 | The Lord's Answer | Job 38–41
Job Lesson 8 | Elihu's Rebuke | Job 32–37
Job Lesson 7 | Job's Final Appeal: "Let the Almighty Answer Me!" | Job 29–31
Job Lesson 6 | Where is Wisdom | Job 27 & 28 | Dr. Brian Tabb 3.13.24
Job Lesson 5 | Round 3: Where is God? | Job 22–26 | Charisse Compton 3.6.24
Job Lesson 4 | Round 2: Hope and Trust in Our Redeemer| Job 15-21 | Pam Larson 2.28.24
Job Lesson 3 | Round 1: Wounded by "Friends" | Job 4–14 | Charisse Compton 2.20.24
The Anxiety Trap, Carol McCormick, MOMS 2.19.24
Job Lesson 2 | Job's Lament | Job 3 | Kristin Tabb 2.14.24
Job Lesson 1 | Setting the Stage: Shattered by Suffering | Job 1–2 | Pam Larson 2.7.24
Marriage: Joy in the Journey, Keith & Lori Eveland, MOMS 2.6.24
Introduction to Job, Dr. Cristian Rata, February 3, 2024
Share the Feast: Teaching Your Children to Delight in God’s Word, Jenni Naselli, MOMS 1.22.24
Steadfastness and the Goodness of Christ, Catherine Hoffman, MOMS 12.5.23
Making Room for Her, Barbara Reaoch, MOMS 11.21.23
Steadfast in Prayer, James 5:13–20, Pam Larson 11.15.23
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