We love having information. The opportunity to access immediate data through Internet resources has opened doors to a whole new addiction for many “gotta’ know” individuals. However, wanting details or the inside scoop is as old as dirt…well at least as old as the Garden. Eve desired the knowledge of good and evil to the point of sacrificing paradise. Her lust for the power of knowledge pumps through the veins of her offspring’s blood as an earthly toxin. The serpent suggests knowledge is the path to godhood and she takes a big bite.
“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like god, knowing good and evil,” (Genesis 3:4-5 NIV).
Is it any wonder that the pursuit of knowledge has become highly regarded in this world? Can you hear the snake’s hiss through the world’s claim that knowledge is worthy of great praise…reverence and adoration. The Internet is our pop-culture Tree of Good and Evil. For through our fingertips we take hold of both good and evil in the pursuit of knowledge online…and it all began with an Apple. Coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences. Interestingly, Apple’s logo has a bite taken out of it…a haunting symbol of the fall of man in pursuit of becoming like God. I dare say many have come to worship knowledge. Oh yes, I can hear the hiss of the cunning serpent as he draws men and woman to the keyboard for their instant gratification in sights and sounds. Child beware!
Computers or the Internet are not evil or bad anymore than the forbidden fruit. However, the enemy of our souls knows how to take the gifts of God and transform them into the most ungodly things.
Pondering Eve’s encounter with the father of lies so many lessons come into view. Still the issue of trust is what ties into Oswald Chambers’ devotional, “Unquestioned Revelation,” from My Utmost For His Highest. Chamber’s states: “In that day” you will be one with the Father just as Jesus is, and He said, “In that day you will ask Me nothing,” (John 16:23). Jesus was speaking to his disciples in regards to things they did not know and were eager to understand. Two thousand years ago, the followers of Christ had questions like we do. Questions, they hoped had answers that would calm their fears or anxieties. Perhaps some just craved understanding. Regardless, they hungered for a bit…or rather a bite of information.
While the bible gives us insight to many things—the best of these being God’s love and redemption plan for man--it does not provide answers to all questions. This is what Jesus is trying to convey to His disciples as He mentions His departure to come. Jesus was calling them to rest in their knowledge of Him: how would Jesus see, hear, talk, or react to certain things? Their experience of His faith in the Father, His love, power, wisdom, righteousness, goodness, kindness, compassion, generosity, etc. was able to provide reason for their complete trust in Him. Their faith would be tested. Trust would be their comfort and peace in life…not information. The same is true for followers today.
When we are one with Jesus in spirit--as He prayed we would be--answers are not important or sought. Trust in Jesus is the balm for every wound, the answer to every question and the peace in any situation.
Knowledge absolutely has its place in our lives however, all things are to remain under Christ. It is through trust in Jesus that we can come into oneness with our Savior. For when we trust Him we will obey without question and we will praise without doubt. The result is a life of freedom…sweet freedom. And this I am certain tastes better than any bite of apple!
“You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. “For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like god, knowing good and evil,” (Genesis 3:4-5 NIV).
Is it any wonder that the pursuit of knowledge has become highly regarded in this world? Can you hear the snake’s hiss through the world’s claim that knowledge is worthy of great praise…reverence and adoration. The Internet is our pop-culture Tree of Good and Evil. For through our fingertips we take hold of both good and evil in the pursuit of knowledge online…and it all began with an Apple. Coincidence? I don’t believe in coincidences. Interestingly, Apple’s logo has a bite taken out of it…a haunting symbol of the fall of man in pursuit of becoming like God. I dare say many have come to worship knowledge. Oh yes, I can hear the hiss of the cunning serpent as he draws men and woman to the keyboard for their instant gratification in sights and sounds. Child beware!
Computers or the Internet are not evil or bad anymore than the forbidden fruit. However, the enemy of our souls knows how to take the gifts of God and transform them into the most ungodly things.
Pondering Eve’s encounter with the father of lies so many lessons come into view. Still the issue of trust is what ties into Oswald Chambers’ devotional, “Unquestioned Revelation,” from My Utmost For His Highest. Chamber’s states: “In that day” you will be one with the Father just as Jesus is, and He said, “In that day you will ask Me nothing,” (John 16:23). Jesus was speaking to his disciples in regards to things they did not know and were eager to understand. Two thousand years ago, the followers of Christ had questions like we do. Questions, they hoped had answers that would calm their fears or anxieties. Perhaps some just craved understanding. Regardless, they hungered for a bit…or rather a bite of information.
While the bible gives us insight to many things—the best of these being God’s love and redemption plan for man--it does not provide answers to all questions. This is what Jesus is trying to convey to His disciples as He mentions His departure to come. Jesus was calling them to rest in their knowledge of Him: how would Jesus see, hear, talk, or react to certain things? Their experience of His faith in the Father, His love, power, wisdom, righteousness, goodness, kindness, compassion, generosity, etc. was able to provide reason for their complete trust in Him. Their faith would be tested. Trust would be their comfort and peace in life…not information. The same is true for followers today.
When we are one with Jesus in spirit--as He prayed we would be--answers are not important or sought. Trust in Jesus is the balm for every wound, the answer to every question and the peace in any situation.
Knowledge absolutely has its place in our lives however, all things are to remain under Christ. It is through trust in Jesus that we can come into oneness with our Savior. For when we trust Him we will obey without question and we will praise without doubt. The result is a life of freedom…sweet freedom. And this I am certain tastes better than any bite of apple!
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