Advent Day 5: The Depravity of Man

Read Genesis 3:1-7. Our first real encounter with Eve occurs in the Garden of Eden. She is approached by a “serpent who is more crafty than any other beast in the field” (v.1).

Here’s what “Crafty” does NOT mean:

• His favorite store was Michael’s
• He had a huge Pinterest following
• He knew how to knit like my grandmother

The Hebrew word for crafty is arum, meaning subtle, shrewd, sly, or sensible. We are given a depiction of Satan as someone who could pull the wool over your eyes. A smooth talker. A liar (John 8:44). One who doesn’t have your best interest in mind. 

Satan, a fallen angel (Jude 1:6), desires to have power and authority over God. Satan continues to lead this rebellion today and bring many with him. He desires to be fully exalted to the position that only belongs to God. In his attempt to deceive and tempt, He subtly asks Eve, “Did God actually say? (v. 3)”

Then doubt creeps in. Takes root. And grows. 

As I ponder this initial sin, I am reminded of the sin in my own life. How I am tempted to doubt God. Is God really good? Does He truly love me? Are His words true? Can I trust Him? Why is being a Christian so hard? Like Eve, it is tempting to look to the tangible things of this world for our hope and security. It is tantalizing to try to control our lil’ ole’ worlds. It is desirous to jump on the bandwagon of materialism for Christmas. But if I do, would God be pleased? Would the longings of my soul be satisfied?

When we try to fill our longings with anything other than God, we will come up empty-handed. The serpent’s promise to “be like god” (v. 5) is something we all wrestle with. We wrestle with control. We think God is holding out on us. If we could, we would run our lives differently.

• If I made more money, I would be satisfied.
• If my marriage was better, I would be happy.
• If I didn’t wrestle with my weight, then I wouldn’t feel insecure.
• If my health was better, I would feel complete.
• If I had more free time, I could live my dream.
• If I…….

It is important that we understand the doctrine of sin. Sin is what has caused the disruption in God’s original design. Sin and its consequences have resulted in a broken relationship with God. But thankfully, this story is not done! God does not abandon us here. He sends us Jesus to overcome sin and its consequences through the gift of salvation. Jesus is God’s answer to the problem of sin. This is why Christmas is such a big deal!

We have a tendency to minimize or side-step our own depravity. However, in doing so, we also are making little of what God has done for us. So, I challenge you today…reflect within. Search your heart. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal your sin. 

Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24

Where do you seek satisfaction?