Talk Tuesday-Rebellion's Defence

This week I came across a quote from Thomas Cranmer (16th century Archbishop of Canterbury ). “What the heart loves, the will chooses, and the mind justifies.” I began to ponder this. Why do we choose rebellion and sin over God's commands, when His ways bring us protection and blessing instead of pain and hardship?

Adam and Eve were given every provision in the Garden of Eden, and lived at ease. Yet, Satan beguiled them to eat the forbidden fruit, launching them into the consequence of sin that has been painful for all mankind. As I reread the Genesis account of The Fall, I noted how Eve's response differed from Jesus' response, when tempted by Satan:

2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman 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. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. Genesis 3:2-6

Eve repeats the Word of God only once; she resists the Serpent only once. Jesus repeats the Word of God THREE times, resisting Him all three times, until the Devil finally flees:

3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, set Him on the pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over you,’ and, ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, 
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is written again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain, and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9 And he said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Away with you, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.’”11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Matthew 4: 3-10

God's Word is life. It is our defence. Stay in His Word, and remember, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” James 4:7. Hold on to His Word for a safe journey through this perilous world.

“Your word I have hidden in my heart,
 that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11