Cunning plan

The opening chapters of any book set the scene about what is to come. They introduce us to the main characters, revealing a little about who they are.

Genesis 3 is such a chapter. The interactions between the three characters here will play out through the rest of the book, and continue to be played out today.

Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the Lord God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden?'"Genesis 3:1

The first character we meet is the serpent. He will go by a number of names in the Bible. He takes on various disguises. He is indeed crafty - the question he asks accuses God of being unkind. He does so by misquoting what God has said. He is a liar, and the father of all lies. But his power is limited, he cannot do all he wants, that is why he must be cunning and crafty. Seeking to do the most damage he can, with the limited resources and power he has.

The second character we meet is the Lord God. In chapters 1 and 2 we see that he creates everything. He is good, generous and kind. He provides all that Adam and Eve need. He rules over all, even over the serpent.

The third character we meet is the woman. As the chapter goes one we discover her husband is with her. Adam and Eve, the first people - standing at the head of all humanity. Acting for all humanity. What they do now, how they enter into the war between God and the serpent, will play out through all of history.

And it is going to come to a great end. If you have time today flick over to the closing chapters. Read through Revelation 20, 21 and 22. Rejoice in the victory of God. And take heart, it is coming!