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!
Steadfast in Prayer, James 5:13–20, Pam Larson 11.15.23
Steadfast in Suffering, James 5:7–12, Amy Katterson 11.8.23
Turning from Fear to Love, Kïrsten Christianson, MOMS 11.7.23
Steafast in God’s Will, James 4:13–5:6, Pam Larson 11.1.23
Steadfast in Relationship, James 4:1–12, Pam Larson 10.25.23
Missions, Ministry and Motherhood, Carmen Tomaszewski, MOMS 10.17.23
Steadfast in Wise Speech, James 3, Charisse Compton 10.18.23
Steadfast Faith that Works, James 2:14–26, Charisse Compton 10.11.23
Steadfast Love, James 2:1–13, Pam Larson 10.4.23
Steadfast: The Lord is Your Keeper, Charisse Compton, MOMS 10.3.23
Steadfast Faith in Action, James 1:19–27, Amy Katterson 9.27.23
Steadfast When Tempted: James 1:12–18, Pam Larson, 9.20.23
Steadfast Through Trials: James 1:1–11, Pam Larson, 9.13.23
Introducing James: Faith at Work, with Dr. Brian Tabb
A Word to the Wise: Exploring the Proverbs, L7, Jenni Naselli 7.26.23
A Word to the Wise: Exploring the Proverbs, L6, Amy Katterson, 7.18.23
A Word to the Wise: Exploring the Proverbs, L5, Julia Dembeck 7.12.23
A Word to the Wise: Exploring the Proverbs, L4, Charisse Compton, 6.27.23
A Word to the Wise: Exploring the Proverbs, L3, Kristin Tabb 6.21.23
A Word to the Wise: Exploring the Proverbs, L2, Lindsay Osborne 6.13.23
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