Genesis 3:24 “After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword flashing back and forth to guard the way to the tree of life.”
In 1940, Winston Churchill famously remarked, “Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.” He was referring to the sacrifices made by the Royal Air Force fighting against the Nazis in the Battle of Britain.
I thought of that quote the other day when reading about the Fall of man in Genesis 3—only with a twist. “Never in the field of human history have so few caused so much pain to so many.” Adam and Eve affected the whole human race when they succumbed to Satan’s temptation in the Garden.
Doubt, fear and self-interest replaced the sweet communion once enjoyed between God and his creation. The first family’s rebellion against God created a divide so deep, that no matter how hard we might strive, our human effort could never bridge the gap. Their fatal bite of the forbidden fruit caused all future generations to live east of Eden.
Until…. Jesus.
Another hour. Another garden. But this time Satan was the one to fall. Eve’s doubt: Did God really say? (Gen. 3:1) stands in sharp contrast to the Lord’s ruthless trust: Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me? (John 18:11). Fear caused Adam and Eve to hide from God: I heard you in the garden…so I hid (Gen 3:10). Jesus met fear straight on. Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, Who is it you want? I am he (John 18:4-5). Self-interest motivated Eve: When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good…she took some and ate it (Gen.3:6). Reverent submission motivated Jesus: not my will but yours be done (Luke 22:42).
The Garden of Gethsemane prepared the way for Resurrection Sunday. It reopened the path leading to the tree of life. Now every man, every woman, has opportunity to walk in God’s presence. Do you know you’re no longer stuck east of Eden? Are you living in the profound reality of what Jesus accomplished?
Never in the field of human existence has one man sacrificed so much for so many. This Easter season and always, we owe him everything.