Scripture: “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” – (9:17)
Observation: There is a comparison in this chapter between the wise person and the foolish one. Solomon explains the benefits of choosing wisely versus the consequences of foolish (sinful) choices.
Application: I have been thinking a lot about the original sin committed in the garden of Eden and reflecting on Satan’s tactics to destroy our relationship with God. He made a statement to make Eve doubt what God had told her. God’s command is stated in Genesis 2:17, “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” When Eve told Satan what God had commanded, the devil’s response was “Ye shall not surely die:” (Genesis 3:4). With the seed of doubt planted, Eve looked upon the fruit, decided it looked good, and chose to believe the lie told to her instead of the truth of what God had previously said. In that moment, the temptation was transformed into a sinful act.
The introduction of death into world happened exactly as God had warned. Later, Paul would write of that in Romans 6:23. That original act of sin brought death into the world physically AND spiritually. It separated Adam and Eve from the Lord’s presence, and sin continues to do the same with us. Just like in the mind of Eve, once the seed of doubt finds fertile ground, it will quickly grow, take root, and the temptation to sin becomes the action of sin. Genesis 3:24 tells us the ultimate consequence for Adam and Eve – separation from God’s presence. “So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life“. It continues to be the ultimate consequence for all of humanity today.
Satan never ceases to urge us to question the truth of God’s Word. It starts as a tiny purr of uncertainty that sprouts a tiny root implanted in our thoughts. As the devil continues to tempt, the doubt in God’s Word grows until it comes to a full manifestation of sinful action, and that action, as our key verse states, is only sweet for a moment. We must never forget that the pleasures of sin are only temporary, but its devastating consequences can be permanent, and in some cases, eternal. The aftermath of going against God’s truths brings harsh consequences.
However, God did not forsake His creation. We do have hope! God promised to intervene. “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel” (Genesis 3:15). He sent His beloved Son, Jesus, to die on a cross to take the punishment for all of our sins, satisfying His judgment on sin. By dying on the cross and rising from the grave three days later, Jesus became the Saviour of the world, and now waits for the repentant sinner to come to Him for forgiveness of each and every sin, past, present, and future! God is not willing that any of us should perish, that is to spend eternity without Him, and He made the path to eternal life so easy. “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). God Himself paid for our sin-debt because there was no way we could pay the price ourselves.
The path to salvation requires only that you ask. Romans 10:13 states, “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” As a repentant sinner, one must only believe on the atoning work of Christ on the cross and ask for His forgiveness. Jesus will refuse no one. His salvation is a gift, freely given to anyone who asks for it. There is no other way back to God. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6). If you have never asked Jesus to forgive your sins and become your Saviour, I urge you to do that today! He loves you and is waiting for you with open arms!
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love. You sacrificed Your only begotten Son for this sinful world… for me! What amazing love You have for Your creation! I could never earn Your forgiveness; I could never deserve it, yet You, in Your great compassion and mercy, made eternity in heaven possible through Jesus. You did it all… for me. Thank You so much! Help me to refuse to listen to the doubts that creep into my thoughts. Your Word says You always provide a way to escape temptation; help me to recognize it each time sin reaches out to tempt me. Help me to reject sin and embrace righteousness. Help me to walk the narrow way following my Saviour. In His precious name, I pray. Amen.
I hear the Savior say "Thy strength indeed is small
Child of weakness, watch and pray find in Me thine all in all"
Jesus paid it all, All to Him I owe
Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow.
(from “Jesus Paid It All” by Elvina M. Hall)
**********
“For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” – Romans 6:23