
Scripture:
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
Devotion:
God created all things GOOD and meant it for the enjoyment of mankind.
“God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.
Then God said, “I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit in it. They will be yours for food….And God saw that all he had made, and it was very good.” (Genesis 1:28-31)
Can you imagine the abundant LIFE Adam and Eve were blessed with? All the freshest of vegetables and sweetest of fruits to savour without limit. And the splendor of the birds in the skies and animals upon the earth and the fish in the sea for them to admire. The Singapore Zoo or for that matter any other zoo cannot compare.
But the best and greatest blessing was the happy union Adam and Eve had with God and with each other. It was truly “paradise”.
But there was someone who witnessed all that and was not at all happy. He was so envious and jealous that Adam and Eve were given all that. And so he schemed to spoil it all and to destroy it.
Satan knew if He could damage the union and intimacy Adam and Eve had with God and with each other, he would have succeeded.
This has always been the modus operandi of Satan – steal, kill and destroy our oneness with God and with one another.
And the way to do it was to cause mankind to doubt and disobey God’s commandments. God made it very clear that there was only one tree in the midst of the Garden that was out of bounds to them. They were totally free to enjoy ALL the rest.
Satan attacked them right there. “Did God say you shall not eat from the tree that is in the middle of the garden.”
(Genesis 3:3)
Reflection:
(1) How familiar are we with what “God has said?”
(2) Do we sometimes doubt whether it is really necessary never to doubt God’s commandments and clear instructions on how we ought to be living our lives? Whenever we begin to doubt we are in danger of violating God’s commandments.
Prayer:
Lord God, help me to fully appreciate that you have come to bring us abundant life – giving us everything for our good and enjoyment. However, life is to be lived Your way, not ours. It is in obedience and submission that we continue to enjoy the good life you have promised us. Whenever the devil tempts us to doubt You and Your Word, we know he only intends to “steal, kill and destroy”. Help us to grow in discernment, wisdom and strength to daily heed Your Word in every area of our life. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
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