When we are given continuous warnings to heed, there is usually a good reason for them: if we ignore those warnings...bad things can happen, and oftentimes...do.

This does not mean one becomes consumed with those potential ‘bad things’ and live their lives on the edge in fear that those bad things will happen to them... they just know to avoid certain things because if they don’t, there most likely will be unpleasant consequences. This should not come across as some earth-shattering revelation. Many might just call it good old common sense.

God gave a pretty simple warning to Adam and Eve back in the garden. (Gen. 2:17) And who came along to dismiss the warning, actually diluting it with ‘words’ out of his mouth before turning that warning completely around? Yep...it was the serpent of old. (Gen. 3:1-5) That same serpent is still doing the same thing today...spewing water (words) out of his mouth to carry people away to destruction. (Rev. 12:9,15; 1 Tim. 4:1; Luke 17:27; Isa. 59:19). Do you know what the serpent is a master at doing? Go read Genesis 3:13 and see for yourself.

While there are many lessons to be gleaned from the opening pages of Genesis, I would have to conclude the most important lesson we can and should learn is this: God means what He says and we would do well to listen to Him. And if/when someone or something else comes along to suggest otherwise, you might think twice about dismissing what God said. But then, that’s just me.

Since this character or role of a ‘serpent’ is woven throughout scripture from beginning to end, maybe we should take some time and explore further what he/it is, why is he here, and what should be our response and actions towards him when we are confronted by him. James 4:7 & 1 Pet. 5:9 would be a good place to start. And I trust you are aware of who ‘he’ is we refer to. (Rev. 12:9)

One thing you can be sure of: God has no problem with this serpent, this spiritual ‘enemy’ of ours, who can even disguise himself as an ‘angel of light’ when he wants to ramp up his deceptive practices. (2 Cor. 11:14). We...are the ones that have problems with him when we drift away from God and begin to dismiss God’s word. Remember lesson #1 – God means what He says. And the serpent perfected the craft of casting doubt over what God said by asking...”Did God really say that?...surely not...God didn’t mean that!” (Gen. 3:1-5)

So why does God let this serpent stick around, given all the problems he seems to create? Well, the short answer to that question is : Besides allowing him to ‘test/try’ us, God uses him to carry out his wrath and judgments, and yes, even His chastisements. We see evidence of this throughout scripture as God was always using the ‘enemies’ of His people to bring wrath and destruction when they violated His commands. And usually, it was a last resort of action after giving them plenty of...(are you ready for this?)...warnings. Have you read 1 Cor. 5:5 lately?

Oh, may I once again ask: “When did God change?” (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8). Join me tomorrow?