The Trial

Genesis 3:1-5

The Fall

Now the serpent was more crafty than any other beast of the field that the Lord God had made.

He said to the woman, “Did God actually say, ‘You shall not eat of any tree in the garden’?” And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit of the trees in the garden, but God said, ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” But the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

When Satan wanted to deceive God's children he didn't go after God's existence. He didn't try to convince Eve to be an atheist. He didn't try to attack God's power or capabilities. Satan targeted his attack on the goodness of God. He put God on trial.

We know the rest of the story. Adam and Eve trusted Satan instead of their Heavenly Father.

I am learning so much from being a dad to my two little boys. As Joshua gets older and his will becomes stronger, I am challenged daily on how to discipline him. Joshua's will is a fortified city... on a hill ... with armed guards. He doesn't break easily. I have had so many times of frustration lately where I have asked him, Rebecca, and myself, "Why doesn't he just trust me?" My heart has been broken as I see my own sinful, distrusting heart.

Like Adam and Eve, I don't trust my Father. He has done me no wrong and only wants my good, yet I have put his goodness on trial, run away, and hidden from him.

The old hymn, Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing says it so beautifully, "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, Lord. Take and seal it. Seal it for Thy courts above." I feel the effects of Adam's (and my own) choice everyday.

The good news in the midst of the bad is that it will not always be this way. Jesus Christ, God the Son, came to earth and took the trial of God to its ultimate ending. He allowed his own sinful creatures to accuse him, mock him, and ultimately kill him to show his people his goodness.

Augustus Toplady writes,

"O Love incomprehensible
That made Thee bleed for me
The Judge of all has suffered death
To set His prisoner free

Arraigned at Pilate’s shameful bar,
Unparalleled disgrace!
See spotless innocence appear
In guilt’s detested place"

Jesus took our place on trial. The Judge was judged. The innocent became sin so the guilty could become righteous. The story, the sacrifice, never gets old. I long for the day when trust is all I have for my Heavenly Father. I long for the day when I am no longer prone to wander.

Revelation 22:20

He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!