They Didn't Die, Or Did They?

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7

The earliest stories within our bible bring with them the brightest, most vivid images. Formless voids bring forth light and life, dust is gathered and humanity rises, small springs of water push through dry wasteland to bring forth great rivers of life-giving waters. The pattern, until this morning's passage, is life from lifelessness.

After the creation of all that humankind is supposed to take care of, God takes mankind (the Hebrew word used is 'adam which translates to mankind, not man as is generally taught) on a tour of the Garden of Eden. God says to them they have free use of the land as they see fit, but please don't eat the fruit of a certain tree or they will die.

However, as the story continues the woman half of humanity (sorry ladies, that's how the story is told) is tricked into eating the fruit of the forbidden tree. If logic is to be followed the next part of the story should have the woman dying, but, as well crafted stories are meant to, what is expected doesn't happen.

Was God mistaken? Did the woman have special powers that protected her from the effects of the forbidden fruit?

A closer look at the words within the story show us that when the storyteller uses the Hebrew word muwth, the intention was not to be an immediate, physical death but what is called a "premature death" of certain traits of humanity. More to the point, wisdom and morality will die.

Lent begins on Wednesday. During the season of Lent we'll be asked to renew our relationships with God, each other, and our self. I find it interesting that the first reading of this Lenten season is a call to look at the things which cause our morals and ability to make good decisions based on the betterment of all creation to die.

The question for me today, and maybe the entire Lenten season, will be what am I doing to create a separation in my relationships and what is it I can do to make those relationships better. In order for me to do this I'll be taking a look at how the decisions I make might be immoral or not be in the best interest of God's creation (people included).

I'm looking forward to this Lenten season, won't you please join me?