Greater Than

Written for the Cross Connection blog. Check out online episodes of the show!

I’m thinking of a number:

• Its digits add up to 7. Like 61 (6+1=7) or 232 (2+3+2=7).
• It has two digits. Like 12 or 95.
• It’s a perfect square–that is, it equals a number times itself. Like 9 (3×3) or 100 (10×10).
• It’s less than 20.

Can you figure it out?

Notice, each relation helps us figure out what this mystery number is. Similarly, Jesus gave us relations between himself and historical entities to help us understand who he is. Thus Matthew 12 presents three statements describing Jesus as “greater than…”

Greater than the temple

The context: Jesus’ disciples have been accused of unlawful activity on the Sabbath. Granted, they had just plucked some grain for a snack, but the Pharisees construed it as harvesting and hence a form of work. Jesus replies:

“Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are guiltless? I tell you, something greater than the temple is here.” (Matt. 12:5,6)

He’s referring to the fact that priests had work to perform on Sabbath; namely, they handled Sabbath sacrifices (see Numbers 28:9). The Pharisees had accepted that this was necessary temple work, similar to how present day churches need pastors to preach on Sabbath. If the work is necessary for the temple–the site of divinity among humanity–of course it was appropriate.

Hence Jesus defends his disciples by explaining he is greater than the temple. Christ is the true site where divinity intersects humanity, so let his disciples work!

Greater than Jonah

Asked for a sign, Jesus responds.

“For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the great fish, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. The men of Nineveh will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, something greater than Jonah is here.” (Matt. 12:40,41)

Jonah’s experience in the fish’s belly is both a historical event and a preview of what Christ would experience. Jonah records: “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me; out of the belly of Sheol I cried, and you heard my voice” (Jonah 2:2).

Likewise on the cross, “Jesus cried out with a loud voice… ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” By faith, Jesus must have clung to the promise of Jonah–“and he answered me”–until he received the confirmation three days later.

But not all accepted Jesus as Messiah. Even the wicked city of Nineveh had acknowledged Jonah’s testimony; how tragic that some would fail to recognize the one greater than Jonah.

Greater than Solomon

Jesus reiterates this tragedy:

“The queen of the South will rise up at the judgment with this generation and condemn it, for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and behold, something greater than Solomon is here.” (Matt. 12:42)

Great rulers traveled far to hear Solomon’s wisdom. But now, those present in Israel were rejecting the one who had given Solomon his wisdom.

Jesus is greater than the temple, greater than Jonah, and greater than Solomon. These relations inform us to his identity. Then we make a choice. How will we respond?

Creation Song

You're familiar with the Genesis creation account. 7 days. God speaks the world into existence. But there's an extra detail provided in the book of Job. The setting: God is addressing Job.

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?

Tell me, if you have understanding.

Who determined its measurements—surely you know!

Or who stretched the line upon it?

On what were its bases sunk,

or who laid its cornerstone,

when the morning stars sang together

and all the sons of God shouted for joy? [Job 38:4-7]

The last two lines really catch my attention. They tell us that at our world's creation, the angels and sons of God were present.

Sons of God is often a title to describe God's people (such as in John 1:12), but clearly that isn't the case here as man is not yet created. So to whom does Job apply the title "the sons of God"? Some think the angels, but I'd like to suggest another possibility: in Job the sons of God are representatives from the many worlds God has made.

This idea that God has created multiple worlds shouldn't be surprising--He's the Creator and has eternity. Hence why He has angels, or translated literally, messengers.

This understanding of sons of God fits well with the opening of Job. There the sons of God gather "to present themselves before the Lord" (Job 1:7, 2:1). Like a congress of all creation.

But Satan also comes. God asks which planet he is representing, "From where have you come?". Satan answers by claiming earth as his turf (similarly, he claims possession of the world in Matt. 4:8,9).

Not so fast. Satan can't claim the planet for God still has an embassy on it, His faithful servant Job. "Have you considered Job... who fears God and turns away from evil?"

Satan's response: Job is only faithful because God has blessed him. It is not authentic loyalty to God. Not a true embassy for God.

With all creation watching, God allows Satan to test his claim and remove those blessings. Thus begins Job's trouble, but I'll let you read the story for yourself.

Back to the sons of God. In our original passage, we see that they assembled at this world's creation with the angels. They watch God create. They sing. They shout for joy!

Our creation had a soundtrack. We were born into music.

But there's another song as well. It appears in the climaxing chapter of Revelation, a book about the second advent and end of earth's history.

I heard a voice from heaven like the roar of many waters and like the sound of loud thunder. The voice I heard was like the sound of harpists playing on their harps, and they were singing a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and before the elders. No one could learn that song except the 144,000 who had been redeemed from the earth. [Revelation 14:2,3]

Those singing are God's redeemed people from earth--a group also often given the title "sons of God". It is their unique experience that allows them to sing a unique song.

Our history started with a song of creation. It ends with a song of redemption. The end echos the beginning, because at the end the world is made new again (see Rev. 21). This new song is the new creation song. And we'll be the ones singing it.

We'll watch God recreate. We'll sing. We'll shout for joy!

What will it be like? I can't wait to find out.

The Untouchable, Touched

“Hello, a few days ago I got back from spending the summer in a developing country and now I have this really nasty cough,” I told the woman at the hospital’s check-in desk.  I was asked a few questions then immediately put into isolation where I remained for the weekend as tests were run. Fortunately, it was just a case of pneumonia and I was able to go home.

Less fortunate were the first century lepers who had to spend their lives in isolation from the society. Much like modern hospital procedures, this isolation was mandated in the Jewish community as a practical way to stop the spread of skin disease (see Leviticus 13). But these isolated lepers were treated as social outcasts and considered cursed.

Matthew records the account of such a leper:

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. [Matthew 8:1-3]

The context is immediately following the Sermon on the Mount. There Jesus had “astonished” the people having spoken with “authority” (Matt. 7:28,29). It seems our leper was on the outskirts of that crowd or had heard the reports of Jesus’ authority. Challenging a lifetime of experience, the leper declares by faith, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean”.

Jesus wills and immediately acts.

In preaching on the mountain, Jesus’ authority was evident in his words. But in healing this man, Jesus stepped down and “stretched out his hand”. He could have healed by speaking (as the very next healing story illustrates), but choses instead to touch the untouchable.

Scenes of creation come flashing to mind. For 6 days God had been creating by His words. “Let there be…”. “And there was…”. God’s words have creative power! But when it came time to create man, God stepped down, took His hands, and crafted him from clay. Similarly, He shaped woman. God could have simply declared, “Let there be humanity”, but instead opted for something far more intimate.

What an awesome thought: God longs for an intimate relationship. Not just to create and heal from a distance, but to be close to us.

Granted, there are times when we are overcome with feelings of impurity and fear that it would be wrong for us to approach God and taint His holiness. But notice that when Jesus touched the leper, Jesus didn’t become unclean, but the leper became clean. Jesus’ healing power is more contagious than man’s sickness.

Still today, when we by faith come to Jesus and in recognition of our sinfulness plea, “Make me clean”, Jesus immediately acts. His purity prevails over our impurity.

Let nothing keep you from Jesus. He is longing to extend his healing hand and restore the intimate relationship for which he created us.

Also view on the Cross Connection blog and check out online episodes of the Cross Connection show.

Victory at Sea

I now contribute to the blog for the awesome TV show Cross Connection--check out episodes of the show here. This and future posts labeled "Cross Connection" were originally written for their blog.

Growing up in Florida, I’ve experienced a number of hurricanes. From listening to predictions of the storm’s path to surveying the damage left behind, it is difficult not to be overcome with feelings of powerlessness.

We sometimes label natural disasters as “acts of God”. It is true that God has on some specific occasions executed judgment through natural phenomenon, but these cases are limited and are always preceded by a warning and call to repentance. Before the flood, God sent Noah; before the plagues on Egypt, Moses. Hence, we must be very cautious to label a storm as a judgment of God.

Genesis reveals that God never intended for storms. At creation, God gave man dominion over the earth. But at the fall, man forfeited it. In every natural disaster, we are reminded of that lost dominion as roles are reversed and the earth rules over us.

The dominion we lost, another claimed. When the devil tempted Jesus in the wilderness, he took him up on a mountain and offered him the world (Matt. 4:9). He was claiming, “Here’s my world, I can give it to whom I please.”

Perhaps this is why the Bible gives the enemy titles such as “prince of the air” and “god of this world” (Eph. 2:2;2 Cor. 4:4).

Some storms indeed are direct attacks by demonic forces (such as in Job 1:19), but in general they seem to be the result of forfeited dominion and the curse of sin. Simply put, the world is falling apart.

Enter Jesus.

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?” (Matt. 8:23-27)

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all immediately follow this account with the story of Jesus casting out demons.  This consistency suggests that the gospel writers viewed the two events as closely connected. Indeed, note here Jesus rebukes the winds. The term “rebuke” often is reserved for when Jesus is exercising authority over the demons (for instance Matt. 17:18).

While it’s not clear if this storm was a direct demonic attack or simply a product of a sinful world, Jesus’ actions reveal his authority over nature. The dominion man lost and Satan claimed belongs to Christ. The winds and the waves recognize his voice above any other.

Furthermore, in calming the storm Jesus was offering a preview of his kingdom. The storms, destruction, and suffering we witness today will have no place there.

Until there, we do not need to fear the storms we face as the disciples did, for we know Who really rules the world!

Luke 2:40-52

⁴⁰  And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.

⁴¹ Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. ⁴² And when he was twelve years old, they went up according to custom. ⁴³ And when the feast was ended, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. His parents did not know it, ⁴⁴ but supposing him to be in the group they went a day's journey, but then they began to search for him among their relatives and acquaintances, ⁴⁵ and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him. ⁴⁶ After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. ⁴⁷ And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. ⁴⁸ And when his parents saw him, they were astonished. And his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us so? Behold, your father and I have been searching for you in great distress.”⁴⁹ And he said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father's house?” ⁵⁰ And they did not understand the saying that he spoke to them. ⁵¹ And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. Andhis mother treasured up all these things in her heart.

⁵² And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.

 The Passover has drawn to a close. Last post we focused on the parents -- following ritual expecting Jesus to follow, rather than following Jesus. Now we focus on the Son.

How did the God-man Jesus come into a knowledge of his identity and mission? Was he born with a homesickness for his heavenly throne? Or did he wake up one morning with an eternity of memories? Our passage is bookended with the idea of growth (vs. 40, 52), suggesting an alternative explanation: his self-recognition was gradual. Perhaps this is part of the mystery of the incarnation.

The fact that this is the only story the gospels record about the boy Jesus suggests it is a critical scene of that growth.
The setting of Passover is significant. In the ritual feast dating back to the Exodus from Egypt a central component were the sacrifices. They pointed back to the first Passover when the families of the Israelites were commanded to sacrifice a male lamb without blemish and cover their doorposts with his blood. The life of the lamb served as a substitute for the life of the firstborn who was sentenced to die.

More significantly, it anticipated the One coming to accept the wrath of judgement in place of humanity.

We know that at twelve years old Jesus witnessed this ritual. But I wonder if for him it was more than ritual. Did something click. Perhaps the scriptures he had studied as a child came to mind: 

He was pierced for our transgressions;
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace,
     and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53)

Was it then--witnessing the story the slain lamb was telling--that he recognized his own life story: to live a pure life "without blemish" and die in humanity's stead.

In response, he moves into action. Not the action of a religious fanatic, yelling in the streets, but the action of one come to unite with humanity. Joining the circle of religious leaders, he listens and asks questions. Yet through his meekness they recognized a fresh teaching. Perhaps he communicated from the scriptures the meaning of their ancient rituals. Whatever the dialogue, they were "astonished".

Mary and Joseph reunite with Jesus and he continues to live humbly under them, still growing. He models holistic growth: mental, physical, spiritual, and social (vs. 52). But throughout it all, he knows Who to call "Father" and recognizes his mission.

When the time is right, he'll begin that mission. Until then, more growing.

Less Words

"When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise."

[Hebrew Proverb]

Electromagnetic Spectrum

Recently, I've been volunteering at a nearby middle school. I mentor two kids, Cristian and Nolvin, in a  weekly Wednesday afternoon science program. We're doing an experiment to see what kinds of light kill bacteria -- infrared, red, green, blue, or ultraviolet. So today we took a few minutes to talk about the electromagnetic spectrum and check out this nifty video by NASA.

It reminded me of how good science is to totally grow your perspective. Can you remember the first time you discovered that there are radio waves in the air all around you? And a host of other activity too. Some we can see (visible light), but much we cannot.

Interestingly, the spiritual dimension is like this too. Through nature and personal testimonies we see and hear that God is at work (as well as the enemy), but this is only a glimpse of the spiritual activity that takes place around us. Only through the careful study of revelation do we learn of the activities of "ministering spirits sent out to serve" and "spiritual forces of evil" (Heb. 1:14, Eph. 6:12).

Indeed, we're in the midst of a whole lot of action -- like the scientist, we may do well to study what's going on around us.

Calling to the Cat

"Anthony, come quick," calls mom from the back of the house.

I was in my bedroom, home for break, and could tell from the tone of her voice that this was going to turn into something story-worthy.

"What is it?" I inquired.

"The dog chased a cat up the tree, we have to get it down."

"Mom, it's a cat, it'll be fine."

"No, it's been up there for hours; it's stuck. You have to climb the tree."

I knew she was serious. Our family has a long history of adventures centered around my mom's love for animals. Turtles in the middle of the street, stray cats and dogs, even a pig once -- anything in need of help. Today it was a cat in a tree.

Stepping into the backyard, sure enough, there was a terrified cat stuck in very straight tree some 18 feet up. "Mom, there's no way I can climb that," I think to myself, but I know her animal-affection will trump my protests.

The tree is next to our backyard fence. I climb the fence and get a foothold in the tree. I stretch out my arms. Not quite there -- the cat is still a handful of feet away.

"Why don't we have a ladder?" I ponder.

What now? If only I can get the cat to jump down into my outstretched arms.

"Here kitty kitty kitty. Jump. You can trust me. I will catch you. Here kitty kitty kitty. I'm right here."

The terrified cat eyes me. But no jump.

Mom has an idea: we'll lure her down to me with some tuna fish. As she retrieves the bait, I begin to question my footing.

She returns with a bowl full of stinky tuna fish. I extend it as high as I can, hoping the scent lofts up to the cat.

"Here kitty kitty kitty. I have some yummy tuna fish. You like that. Jump. I'll catch you."

Nothing.

But mom's not out of ideas. Perhaps the cat just needs a nudge. In our backyard we have a tree that grows some small citrus fruits (tangerines, I believe). She picks, aims for the cat, and throws -- hoping to hit the cat. And misses.

Again: Throws. Misses. Throws. Misses.

Then she recruits my friend Jin Tik who has been amusedly watching up until this point. They throw. And miss. This continues for some time.

Finally, a hit! The nudge. And again, nothing. Cat still stuck in the tree.

Normally, one probably would now give up. Actually, normally one likely would have never climbed into the tree in the first place for such a clearly hopeless endeavor. But for some reason my mom loves that cat -- the stray neighborhood cat we don't even know -- and I suppose I'm identifying with that love a bit too.

So we persist. Mom has another idea -- we need another cat. You see we have a house cat. Although this cat never goes outside, my mom reasons that if she brings her out and lets me hold her in the tree close to the other cat, then for some reason the cat stuck in the tree will trust us and jump. Perhaps it'll learn that we're friendly cat people.

So my mom brings my bewildered cat out and hands her to me. "Here kitty kitty kitty. Look, we have a cat too. You can trust us. Jump into my hands. I'll bring you down."

Nothing. We return our cat to the house.

At this point two thoughts are running through my head:

(1) This is kinda ridiculous. Climbing a tree; outstretched arms; reasoning with a cat; luring with tuna fish; throwing citrus; bringing our house cat out. And for what? To get some neighborhood cat out of a tree?

(2) I'm not sure how safe this is. I've been juggling quite a bit up here and I'm not sure how solid my footing is. This could be dangerous. I could fall! Doesn't mom remember that I'm her only son.

Conclusion: She must love that unknown cat. And so do I. It's terrified stuck up in a tree, but we're going to get him down, whatever it takes.

It was in that moment, in that tree, that a profound question struck me. Rather, a series of questions.

What if God is like this?

What if when I was terrified and stuck, his love compelled him to act?

Even to send his Son, his only Son?

What if it was a dangerous -- even to death -- mission for that Son?

But what if his loving act prevailed?

An often quoted scripture flashed to mind with new force:

"For God so loved the world, he sent his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16).

He's still calling: Here I am. Jump into my outstretched arms. I know that you are terrified. I know that you are stuck in a mess that you can't get yourself out of. But I'm here. You can trust me. Jump. I will take you home; whatever it takes.

So Many

I pulled out of my wallet the Hilton post-it note and confirmed, "15048. 11pm." Knocked on the door; no response. I was a few minutes early.
As I waited by some nearby couches, I peaked out the window. From the 15th story I was able to survey the many tens of thousands gathered directly below for Houston's downtown New Year's celebration. A vast sea of pockets of people, many decorated by those flashing lights street vendors love to sell. I was struck with the thought, "So many; who will tell them?"
A moment later I was in the room. I heard about countries like Mali, Turkey, and India where only a tiny elect in a vast population knew. "So many; who will tell them?"
So with this group of missionaries I prayed. We prayed that the message of the Crucified, Risen, and Soon-coming Christ might be told. The message that gives hope, peace, and joy.
It's an impossible task. But by faith we claim the promise of Christ, "If I be lifted up, I will draw all men to myself." He was lifted up on calvary. He was lifted up from the grave. He was lifted up at his ascension.
May also he be lifted up in his Church today. May he be lifted up through my life.

Immanuel

עִמָּנוּאֵל
Ἐμμανουήλ
Immanuel. God with us.

One of my favorite chapters of all literature carries this theme. Perhaps this Christmas is an altogether appropriate time to share it: "God With Us"


"His name shall be called Immanuel, . . . God with us." "The light of the knowledge of the glory of God" is seen "in the face of Jesus Christ." From the days of eternity the Lord Jesus Christ was one with the Father; He was "the image of God," the image of His greatness and majesty, "the outshining of His glory." It was to manifest this glory that He came to our world. To this sin-darkened earth He came to reveal the light of God's love,--to be "God with us." Therefore it was prophesied of Him, "His name shall be called Immanuel."
By coming to dwell with us, Jesus was to reveal God both to men and to angels. He was the Word of God,--God's thought made audible. In His prayer for His disciples He says, "I have declared unto them Thy name,"--"merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in goodness and truth,"--"that the love wherewith Thou hast loved Me may be in them, and I in them." But not alone for His earthborn children was this revelation given. Our little world is the lesson book of the universe. God's wonderful purpose of grace, the mystery of redeeming love, is the theme into which "angels desire to look," and it will be their study throughout endless ages. Both the redeemed and the unfallen beings will find in the cross of Christ their science and their song. It will be seen that the glory shining in the face of Jesus is the glory of self-sacrificing love. In the light from Calvary it will be seen that the law of self-renouncing love is the law of life for earth and heaven; that the love which "seeketh not her own" has its source in the heart of God; and that in the meek and lowly One is manifested the character of Him who dwelleth in the light which no man can approach unto. (full chapter)

Between Two Worlds

“Whooooooottt”

In a vacuum of context, one word text messages can be meaningless. But I knew exactly what this one meant. Yesterday Stanford released admissions decisions to early applicants at 3pm. Hence, when 3:10pm rolled around and a high school friend who had applied texted me, “Whoooooottt”, the message was clear.

Later I was able to meet up with him (naturally, a campus visit was the first thing on his mind).  It was neat to see him processing, recognizing the reality and significance of the admissions offer. I think a few times I saw it begin to hit him.

But the odd thing is, although he can now claim Stanford as “his school”, it isn’t quite yet. At least, not fully. He’s still a high school student.

Hence a tension. He’s caught between two worlds. Two realities. In the upcoming months he’ll undoubtedly struggle with this “senioritis”.

Incredibly, my high school friend's present experience parallels that of many of history’s greatest patriarchs of faith, such as Abraham. Note how the Bible describes them:

These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country.  (Hebrews 11:13-16a)

They experience the tension: living in this world while having accepted the promise of the heavenly one. Hence, they live as “strangers and pilgrims to the earth.”

Still today – or rather, especially today –  the Christian looks at the world around him and recognizes that it is not his home. He sees creation groaning in anticipation of the great soon coming graduation. “And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies” (Romans 8:19).

So we wait, between two worlds, as we learn daily how to live as a heavenly citizen while an earthly resident.

Ascending to the Lowest

The setting is ancient Israel. The prophet Isaiah is denouncing the king of Babylon -- political archenemy to the Israelites. But in the midst of his "proverb against the king of Babylon" we notice a change in the tone.

How you are fallen from heaven, 

O Lucifer, son of the morning! 

How you are cut down to the ground, 

You who weakened the nations! 

For you have said in your heart: 

‘I will ascend into heaven, 

I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; 

I will also sit on the mount of the congregation 

On the farthest sides of the north; 

I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, 

I will be like the Most High.’ 

Yet you shall be brought down to Sheol, 

To the lowest depths of the Pit. (Isaiah 14:12-15)

Fallen from heaven? This isn't about a political enemy, but a spiritual adversary.

Once called Lucifer, son of the morning, he occupied heaven. Yet, he ends up in the "depths of the pit". How?

I was recently talking with a philosophy professor about how a perfect being could choose to do wrong.  The question we debated was why wouldn't God simply create beings who would never choose to do wrong? But if they are guaranteed to always choose rightly, is it still a choice? What defines a choice? How do choices happen?

And that is how such philosophical word games often go, seldom resolving much. Fortunately Isaiah wasn't a philosopher but a prophet. Rather than toying with the meanings of words, he offers us an insight to the heart of the matter. Lucifer's heart.

Note what Lucifer desired: to ascend, exalt above, sit on the mount, the north, ascend above. He desired to go up. Not just to be like the Most High by reflecting Him, but to take his place, even ascend above him. But desiring the highest, he fell to the lowest.

And where did He fall too? Revelation records that "the great dragon was cast out [of heaven], that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" (12:9). Enter the talking snake of Genesis.

But this is where things get personal. No longer is this a story about a distant star gone dark; we're now on home territory.

Many greats grandma Eve enters into dialogue with the snake. The particular topic, fruit eating, isn't as important as the decision she is being called to. God had presented command and consequence: don't eat it, you'll die. The snake presents an alternative: eat it, "you will be like God".

Catch that? "Like God". It's the same as the snake, formerly Lucifer, had desired. Not the "likeness" that brings one into harmony with God and His commands. No; this is the envious likeness that seeds rebellion. To stand in His place, even above.

The snake's offer was attractive. Eve "saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate."

Notice, contrary to the command, she declares the tree as "good". In the creation context, this is highly significant.

Remember? God created. Then He saw what He had made and declared that "it was good". Seven times in the first chapter of Genesis and a few more in the second God determines what is good and what is not.

Now, rather than exercising judgement to recognize the fruit is not good by God's command, Eve places herself in the position of God and attempts to utter a contrary declaration: the tree is good for food.

Like Lucifer, Eve and along with her Adam attempt to stand in the place of God, even to act against and above Him.

And like Lucifer, humanity falls.

What does this fall mean? Surprisingly, a genealogical record offers insight:

This is the book of the genealogy of Adam. In the day that God created man, He made him in the likeness of God. He created them male and female, and blessed them and called them Mankind in the day they were created. And Adam lived one hundred and thirty years, and begot a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. (Genesis 5:1-3)

Adam made in God's image. But notice Seth in Adam's likeness. Post-fall, we descendants find ourselves with the image of fallen Adam marring the originally intended image of God.

Which means the spirit of Lucifer and of our first parents -- the created desiring to stand in the place of and even above the Creator -- we should expect to find rampant in society today.

We should expect our religious systems to be corrupted by it. We should expect the aims of our nations to be tainted by it. We should expect our relationships to suffer because of it. We should even expect our own hearts to be plagued by it.

Simply put, we should expect to be wholly fallen, entirely lost. Fated with the fallen star to dwell in that pit forever.

By trying to take God's place, we cut off our dependence on Him. And created without Creator, life without daily Life-giver, is not a possibility. So we perish.

But we're still here. This signals hope. We'll explore this hope in another blog post.