A CROSSROADS

When the Woman saw that the tree looked like good eating and realized what she would get out of it—she’d know everything!—she took and ate the fruit and then gave some to her husband, and he ate. 

Genesis 1:27, The Message

How long was it? How long did the world’s only perfect marriage last? How long did Adam and Eve live through bright days working in a thornless garden and warm nights sleeping in perfect safety?

How long did they walk and talk with God?

The way the story is told, it seems like the next day that things changed. Adam is created Friday morning, Eve is created that afternoon, and by Sabbath evening they’re out of there! But some time must have passed. God must have told them the exciting story of their creation and the horrible story of the war in heaven. He surely warned them of the fallen angels who would be after their souls. “Stay away from that tree!” He must have urged them earnestly. “You’ll be safe if you just stay away!”

But there she is, standing under the branches, looking at the bright fruit, listening to the brighter serpent. There she is, making a decision that will affect the rest of the world—even the rest of the universe for all time to come, if only she knew it!

There she is, reaching out, touching the fruit, smelling it, bringing it to her lips . . .

Don’t touch it, Eve! Don’t do it!

I’ve been there. Have you? Standing at the crossroads. Making the decision. Hearing the tempter, hearing my conscience, making excuses and justifications. Making the mistake. I’ve been there. Have you?

Oh, no! She ate it! So did he! What now?

I did it again, Lord! The same mistake! I sometimes think I’ll never learn to do better—to listen to You, not the tempter, not my own twisted logic. I’ve made this same mistake so many times before! What can I do now?

What will You do now?

Have You run out of patience?

. . . Do You still love me? . . .

Creator of Redemption, Designer of Salvation, one of the things I know I am is a sinner. I’m really good at it, and I hate it! Help me! Show me the way back to Your side. Forgive me. Reform me. Walk with me again in the cool of the evening. I still want to be Your forgiven child.