Eve

Read Genesis 1-5.

Eve was an amazing woman. We tend to think less of her because of she is associated with the Fall, but I think if we look at her a little more closely, we will see some of her attributes. I remember a question from a kid in Sunday school, “Are Adam and Eve in hell?” They always ask those kinds of questions, don’t they?

Well, I think we’ll have our answer by the end of the study.

Creation
God first created the world in six days, by the Word of His power. It was the perfect environment for people to thrive in, prepared especially for them. Adam and Eve were created by the direct action of God. Adam from the ground, and Eve from Adam. The rest of us are born into the world. Humans are the crowning glory of His creation, made in His image.

What it Means to be Made in the Image of God
Humans are like God in a way no other creatures are. We are personal, rational (having intelligence and will), creative, righteous (although this was lost in the fall), ruling over the world He has made. We have the ability to communicate and have a relationship with God. We have a soul; as opposed to the animals. (Ecc. 3:21, Gen. 2:7). We have the capacity for eternal life. (Ecc.12:7). Being made in the image of God gives humans dignity. (Gen.9:6) The value of human life is the basis of capital punishment.

Humans were given a mandate to be fruitful, multiply, and subdue the earth. They were, together, to be stewards of creation. (Gen.1:28) We can control plants and animals, but not the heavenly realm. Only God can do that. Many animal rights people don’t like the idea of man being over creation, but it was God’s idea, not man’s idea. We are put here as stewards. A steward is responsible for taking care of something that belongs to someone else. There is also the idea of being accountable for our actions. We need to care for the planet, but not worship it. We need balance.

 Hints of Trinity
The repetition of the plurals, “Us”, “Our”, “Our” in Gen. 1:26 has been suggested to be a hint of the Trinity. This was plurality in divine unity. This is also seen in Gen. 1:1-3 where we see God the Father creating by the Word (Jesus) and the Spirit hovering over the waters. Who is God addressing in verse 26? Some think it is merely majestic language, like the royal “we”. But the contrast to “and God said” when He created everything else, with the plan in the council chambers of Heaven before Man was created shows that this was something different. He planned his creation deliberately. “Let us make man...” He can’t be talking to angels, because angels are not co-creators, nor are they made in the image of God.

 Pre-Flood World
There was no rain until the flood (Gen.2:4-6). People lived longer in the antediluvian (Pre-flood, or pre-deluge) world. The waters above the firmament (heavens) referred to in (Gen. 1:6-8) could have been a water canopy above the earth, which made everything lush. The pre-flood world was tropical, as evidenced by dinosaur bones found in Western Canada. This canopy would have protected people from U.V. damage. Adam lived to be 930 years old. (Gen.5:5). We can assume close to the same age for Eve. This canopy was also the source of a large part of the water for the flood. (Show diagram of water canopy).

Side point: before the flood, people were vegetarians (Gen. 1:30), but were told meat was permissible to eat after the flood. (Gen. 9:3)

 Creation of Adam and Eve
Adam and Eve were created on the sixth day, after the animals. God saved the best for last. Adam was made from the dust of the earth. (Gen. 3:19 verse about dust to dust at funerals). Isaiah 64:8 shows creation as the image of making pottery. Adam and Eve were both created on the same day. (Gen. 1:27, Gen. 5:1,2) “...on the day they were created”. Woman was not an afterthought, created, as some say, months or even years after Adam. God’s work of creation was completed on the sixth day. (Gen. 2:1-3). Adam wasn’t alive until God gave him the breath of life, as the Spirit of God gives us spiritual life. Life and death are in God’s hands. We will not live one second longer than God has planned for us to live, and yet, “we are immortal until our work is done” as George Whitefield said. They were unlike any people after them, since they had no infancy, no childhood, and no youth. Yet, they were created already able to speak and understand. They were not grunting cavemen or “mud with consciousness.”

 Adam was put to work before the fall. Work itself is not bad. We feel a sense of accomplishment in it. But the fall has made work harder. In heaven, we won’t be idle. “...and His servants will serve Him.” (Rev.22:3b ) The oldest profession? Gardener. (Gen.28:15)

 Eve was created from Adam’s rib. “The woman was made of a rib out of the side of Adam; not made out of his head, to rule over him; nor out of his feet, to be trampled upon by him; but out of his side to be equal with him; under his arm to be protected, and near his heart, to be beloved.” (Matthew Henry)

 Eve was created for fellowship/companionship with Adam. Both man and woman were made in the image of God. Together they reveal aspects of God’s character; strength, protection, care, and nurturing. There is a complementary nature in the relationship. What he lacked, she supplied, and vice versa. “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper comparable to him.” Gen.2:18 After creation on each day, God said, “...and it was good.” This is the first time when God said something was not good. Adam names the creatures. His loneliness and lack of companionship makes him realize he doesn’t have a counterpart. His need for a helper demonstrates his inadequacy rather than her inferiority. (Gen. 2:20). The first surgery was performed: deep sleep, rib removed, flesh closed up. Sounds like surgery to me. (Gen. 2:21-22).

 Does this mean all men have one less rib than women? I remember a teacher in nursing school Biology class mocking this. She said, “No, men have the same number of ribs as women do.” But the Bible doesn’t say all men have one less rib; just Adam. If you have your appendix removed surgically, then you have children, are your children born without an appendix? Of course not! The reason is that his rib was removed surgically, by the Great Physician. There was not a genetic factor involved.

 Marriage
Marriage was God’s idea. It was instituted before the fall, like work. Marriage is not an evil idea, but something for our protection and our good. This was the ultimate arranged marriage. There were no other options, yet they were both pleased with God’s choice for them. Adam sees Eve for the first time, and bursts out in poetry. (Gen. 2:23). Plato said, “At the touch of love, everyone becomes a poet.” This is Adam’s only recorded statement before the fall, celebrating his wife. God, as the Father of the Bride, presents her to the groom (Gen. 2:22), then, as the Pastor, He performs the ceremony. His words are quoted at wedding ceremonies. I’ve seen weddings where the father of the bride is also a Pastor, so he walks her up the aisle, then performs the ceremony as well.

 Marriage is established between one man and one woman. They must “leave” and “cleave”. You must leave your parents, emotionally and financially, at least, physically as well, if possible. It is necessary to start a new family. They have new loyalties. Two become one. This is intimacy. Marriage is meant to be exclusive; commitment to each other with no room for anyone else. Marriage pictures the covenant relationship between God and His people. Eph. 5:25-33, esp. Verse 32 “This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church.” They were to leave father and mother. Adam and Eve did not have parents to leave, but God gives the instruction for our benefit. They were naked, but not ashamed. This doesn’t idealize nudity, but shows the contrast before and after the fall. The fall caused loss of innocence and feelings of shame. In Scripture, nakedness is always a symbol of weakness, need and humiliation. (Also remember, it’s easier to be naked in a tropical setting, than in Canada in December).

Questions of God
I've long been intrigued by the idea of God asking a question. When we ask a question, it's often to get information. What's the temperature today? What time will you be home? Who's going with you? Where do you think you're going, dressed like that? Okay, that last one was more of a statement, but you get the idea.

 But when God asks a question, it's never to get information. The reason is obvious: He knows all things. So why does He ask anything? Let's take a look at the questions of God in the first few chapters of Genesis.

 “Then the LORD God called to the man and said to him, 'Where are you?'" Genesis 3:9

"And He said, 'Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you not to eat? Genesis3:11

"Then the LORD God said to the woman, 'What is this you have done?'" Genesis 3:13a

 Why did He ask this? Didn't He know where Adam was hiding, and why? Of course. He asks to see if Adam will admit his wrongdoing, much as a parent does when they catch their child doing something wrong. We see what they've done, i.e. broken a vase or hurt their sibling, and yet we ask, "What have you done?"

 That's the idea behind His questions. They are all asked to see if Adam and Eve will confess. I also think there's some sadness and disappointment behind the question, like when you see your child do something they shouldn't have done, especially after you've warned them of the consequences if they did it. "Didn't I tell you not to bounce on the bed or you'd hurt yourself?"

 A similar idea is found in Genesis chapter four, when God confronts Cain. He gives him a chance to make things right. He has not yet killed his brother. God asks him why he's sad and angry. He can still do the right thing and come to God with a pleasing sacrifice in the way God prescribed, instead of trying to come with his own best efforts. He gives Cain both a second chance and a warning, as parents often do.

 “Then the LORD said to Cain, 'Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen?" If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.'" Genesis 4:6, 7

 God tells him sin wants to control him, but he must control it. The next time God talks to Cain, he has already killed his brother. God comes to him and asks a question He already knows the answer to.

 Where is Abel, your brother?" Genesis 4:9

"He said, 'What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to Me from the ground." Genesis 4:10

 So from even these few examples, we see that God is asking questions, not to obtain information from us, His creatures, but to interact with us, to fix our relationship with Him, or to judge us and remind us that we are indeed the creature and He the Creator.

 The Two Trees
God provided a paradise for Adam and Eve, with trees laden with fruit for food, but in the middle of the garden there were two unique trees: the Tree of Life, and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Read Gen. 2:15-17 God gives the command regarding the two trees to Adam, before the creation of Eve. Yet she knew about it, even though she misquoted it and added to the restrictions “...nor shall you touch it.”Gen. 3:3

 The Forbidden Fruit
The forbidden fruit of the Garden of Eden, spoken of in the Scriptures, was not an apple. Sorry to burst your bubble. You may have seen artist's pictures of red fruit, learned about Adam's apple, (supposedly stuck in every man's throat) and heard lyrics like, "Eve tempted Adam with an apple", and may even have heard it from Sunday school teachers, but it's not true. How do we know? Go to the Scriptures.

 First of all, Adam and Eve could eat of every tree in the Garden, except one. It wasn't the apple tree. It was the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It was one of two unique trees in the Garden of Eden. It was the only one of its kind, and located only in Eden, which is now hidden from us. Further, once they ate of it, were judged by God and banished from Eden forever, its fruit was never eaten again, unlike the apple tree. Also, the fruit is not described for us, except to say that it was good for food, pleasant to the eyes, and desirable to make one wise.

 Notice that the Tree of Life, also another unique tree in the midst of the garden, was not forbidden to Adam and Eve. Ever wonder why they didn't eat from that one, instead? We'll never know. But at least we know that in the New Jerusalem we will have access to the Tree of Life, forbidden to our first parents because of their disobedience. (Rev. 22:2)

 The Fall
Above all else in Eve’s life, she is known for her part in the Fall. Let’s look at that now.

Read Gen. 3.
 
The Test
As a gardener, Adam would have been in constant contact with the trees. He would see them and wonder. He had been given freedom to eat of any tree except the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. God gave the command with the assumption that man could chose. He was morally capable and responsible. He was a free moral agent.

 This one exclusion was a simple, true test. Would they submit to God’s authority over them as Creator, or would they rebel? Time passes. We don’t know how much time they had a happy marriage and uninterrupted fellowship with God.

 Many believe Satan tempted Eve while she was alone, thus making her more vulnerable. This was not the case. The conversation recorded in chapter three, records only two speakers, Eve and the Serpent (or Satan), but they were not alone. Adam was standing right there beside her, yet he said nothing. “She also gave to her husband with her...” Gen.3:6 Eve didn’t say, “Adam, what do you think we should do?” Nor did Adam stop her or argue with Satan. That’s why it’s forever referred to as Adam’s sin, even though Eve was the one who ate first. Eve was deceived, whereas Adam made a conscious decision to defy God’s command.

 The first question ever asked in the Bible was asked by His enemy, questioning God’s word. Gen.3:1 Satan plants doubt in their minds that God didn’t have their best interests at heart, but was keeping something good from them. He emphasizes God’s prohibition rather than His provision. He questioned the extent of the command: “every tree?” He then calls God a liar and states the opposite of what God said: “You will not surely die,” as a truth (Gen. 3:4) and implies that God is hoarding power to Himself. Yet God said, “In the day that you eat of it, you shall surely die.” (Gen.2:17b) Eve toned this down by saying, “Lest you die.”

 The concept of death was not something Adam would’ve understood. He would not have witnessed death, since there was no death before sin entered the world. The theory of evolution is all about death.

 But Adam would have understood death was not desirable. So why didn’t they drop dead the moment they ate the fruit? Because it wasn’t poisoned fruit. But the process of death began that day; much like a tree branch does not die immediately when cut off a tree. Since it is cut off from the source of life, it will inevitably die.

 Death means separation. By their sin, they were 1) Separated from God. There was a change in their relationship with Him. 2) They would now have bodies that would die physically. Their soul would be separated from their body. Diseases are also part of the curse. 3) If not for a way to restore this relationship, they would also be separated from God forever, in a place called Hell.

 The Trespass
So the issue at stake was not whether a certain fruit was good or bad to eat, but whether Adam would let God determine what was good or bad, or if he’d decide himself, in defiance of what God had said. Also notice that Eve was deceived, but she didn’t tempt Adam. Throughout history, people refer to her as a temptress, and by extension, all women. Though women can be that, Eve is not portrayed that way. She is not recorded as saying anything at all to Adam, one way or another. She merely gave him the fruit and he ate it. (Gen.3:6). No convincing required.

He heard the whole exchange between Eve and the Serpent, but did not intervene. He didn’t take a leadership role, whereas Eve usurped his authority by making the decision. The factors in her decision were that the fruit was 1) good for food (it seemed edible), 2) pleasant to the eyes (so she desired it), and 3) desirable to make one wise (the most appealing benefit to her). This is similar to the temptation of Christ in Matthew 4. She may have been curious about it for a long time. It may have smelled delicious.

Effects of the Fall
Immediately after they ate the fruit, the lights went on, or should I say, out. (Gen.3:7) The loss of innocence led to a feeling of shame. Their guilt is expressed in the awareness of nakedness. This is in contrast to before the fall when they were naked and unashamed.

 Redemption is linked to God providing a covering, or Atonement for sin. Gen.3:21 Even the mercy seat is a covering of the ark, which contained the law, which we broke. It was the place where estranged parties were reconciled. Ex. 25:7

They were also now afraid of God. Whereas before, they had fellowship with God, now they saw Him as their Judge. “I was afraid,” Adam admits in Gen. 3:10

There was a change in their relationship with each other; blame and lack of trust; Gen.3:12

They realized they were naked, and went about trying to make themselves presentable, covering themselves with fig leaves. We often do this, too. Many people won’t come to God until they feel they’ve cleaned up their act. They try to cover themselves with the fig leaves of good works, hoping God won’t see that they’re spiritually naked.

 The Blame Game
As the head of the family, Adam must give an account of what has been done. He is questioned first, even though God knew Eve ate first. As I said, it’s forever referred to as Adam’s sin, not Eve’s, although they are equally guilty, and equally fallen. He was the representative for all mankind yet to be born.

 “They show their allegiance to Satan by distorting the truth, accusing one another, and accusing God. Their efforts to conceal their sin only expose it.” Geneva Study Bible notes.

Imagine Eve’s shock when he blames her, as if he wasn’t responsible for his own actions. I can imagine her standing there staring at him with her mouth hanging open. Notice he doesn’t try to say he was deceived; that much at least is true. She handed it to him and he ate it. He also subtly blames God, “the woman You gave me.” Gen. 3:12 He implies it was God’s fault for giving Eve to him in the first place.

 The Sentence
The Supreme Court of the Universe is now in session. The Judge has heard the testimonies (i.e. excuses), and He is ready to pass sentence. There is no question as to whether He can do this; it is His right as Creator.

 For Satan, God doesn’t even ask for his side of the story, but just assigns judgment on him. God knows his motives and what he has done. The first part of the sentence is on the serpent itself, which is a symbol of Satan (Gen. 3:14). The second part is on the Devil, himself.

 “Humanity is now divided into two camps: the redeemed who love God, and the reprobate, who love self. This is seen as soon as the next generation in the hostility of Cain against Abel.” Geneva Study Bible notes.

 But see the grace of God. Even as He is passing judgment, He is giving us the first promise of a Redeemer. He does not leave them without hope. The woman’s Seed will gain the victory. As sin entered the world through the agency of a woman, so the Saviour of sinners enters the world by way of a woman. Jesus is Mary’s son. He had no human father. The reference to “her Seed” is a clue, as biology teaches us that men have seed, women; an egg. Yet this future Redeemer is “her Seed”, which is contrary to nature. This hints at the Virgin Birth, or rather, the Virginal Conception. It was a normal birth, but a unique conception.

 The Woman’s Punishment
As our first representatives, the punishment was not just on Eve as an individual, but on all women to come. She would experience pain in childbirth (vs. 16). Can you imagine how scary it would have been to be the first woman to give birth, with no midwife, except her husband, no medical care, no Mom to tell her what to expect? She has my respect.

 Her relationship with her husband would change. Just as she usurped his authority when she ate the fruit, she would now be under his authority, although she would fight against it. “Your desire will be for your husband”, does not refer to physical desire, because that isn’t a curse. The word translated, desire, is the same as that used in Gen. 4:7 meaning the desire to control. It's talking about her desire to control in the marriage relationship, as she just did by making the decision to take the fruit without consulting her husband.

 Now he will rule over her, and the battle of the sexes, which began in the garden, has been in effect in every relationship since, with power struggles within marriage. Their marriage relationship became strained. Trust is replaced by mistrust. The curse on the woman becomes part of the man’s curse as well, since their relationship is affected.

 He would try to dominate her; she would try to control him. She now has enforced submission as her punishment. In Christ, these relationships are redeemed, although our role is still to submit to our husband’s leadership in the home.

 There is a wrong view of submission today; it is seen as inferiority.  In the first century, submission to husbands was represented by wearing of head coverings. Now head coverings don’t have the same meaning. But could it perhaps be demonstrated by something different, like taking his name when you marry?

The idea of headship and submission always existed in the eternal nature of God Himself, yet we would not say that Christ is inferior to God the Father, even though they have different roles.

“But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, the head of a wife is her husband, and the head of Christ is God.” 1 Cor. 11:3

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled.” Titus 2:3-5

Just a side note, but, I like that phrase, “submissive to their own husbands.” We are not to be submissive to all men, just because we are women, but only to our own husbands. That’s enough of a challenge. J

The Man’s Punishment/The Earth’s Punishment
Likewise, Adam’s punishment was not just on him, but all men to come.

 “Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned.” Rom. 5:12

 Now man’s natural relationship to the earth and his mandate to subdue it are reversed, and he is frustrated in his work. The earth fights against him, too. Work would be difficult because God cursed the earth because of Adam (Gen. 3:17), “cursed is the ground for your sake”. The punishment on the earth is included with Adam’s punishment because he is linked to it because of creation.

 Thorns get in the way. (Gen. 3:18). Notice that Christ wore a crown of thorns on his head, bearing the curse that was on the earth as well, so that it could also be redeemed one day. “...because the creation itself will also be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.” (Rom.8:23)

 In Gal. 3:18 we see Jesus “became a curse for us.” But in glory, there will be “no more curse.” Rev. 22:3

 Adam would work hard his whole life and then die. The process of death includes illnesses and suffering. ”Dust to dust.” (Gen. 3:19).

 I think at this point Adam and Eve are beginning to understand what God meant by “death”, and they see it is not good.

 What Next?
Adam names her Eve; the mother of all living. She was not named before the fall. Gen.3:20 “This shows his faith in God’s promise that the woman would bear children, including the Seed who would defeat Satan.” Geneva Study Bible notes.

 God provides a covering for sin. Gen. 3:21 They thought they could do it themselves, with fig leaves. But God Himself determines the remedy for the problem. He provides animal skins as a covering. Skins are not merely zipped off. This required the death of an animal. This was the first picture of blood sacrifice and substitutionary atonement. One dying for another. Also, atonement gives the image of covering sin. God provided the covering for their sin and nakedness.

 Gen. 3:22 is another reference to a council meeting of the Godhead, “like one of Us.” By barring them from the tree of life in their sinful state, God graciously protects them from eternal bondage to sin and misery. He also cleanses His temple/garden and exiles Adam and Eve from it. (Gen. 3:23, 24). “The LORD God sent him out,” and “So He drove out the man.”

 The first part of their death sentence is realized; separation from God. He also placed cherubim at the entrance, so man could never return and eat of the Tree of Life. Cherubim are angelic beings that protect God’s holiness. They are also seen on the Mercy seat in the Holy of Holies in the temple and on the curtain, barring the way into the Presence of God. (Exodus 26)

 Cain and Abel
“Woman originally came from man, now man comes from the woman.” Geneva Study Bible notes. The hostility between the godly line and the ungodly line begins. Abel means breath, reminding us of the brevity of life. Now Adam and Eve had learned a few things. They now knew you had to approach God with blood, because only blood could cover sin. They passed on this information to their sons.

 Abel brought a blood sacrifice; the firstborn of the flock. He brought the best, and God was pleased with it. God alone can prescribe how He is to be approached. He is the Creator, we are the creatures. Cain decided he would approach his own way, with some of what he had; his crops. “Cain brought an offering.” Gen.4:3

 “Abel brought the first and best, Cain brought neither.” Geneva Study Bible notes. He brought the work of his hands; he did not approach with blood. He thought his efforts were good enough and was angry when God wouldn’t accept it. God respected Abel’s offering over Cain’s, because God sees the heart. He knows our motives. “The worshipper and his offering were inseparable.” Geneva Study Bible notes.

 God shows grace to Cain and gives him a second chance to do what`s right. He also warns him that sin wants to control him but he must control it. (Gen. 4:6,7). Cain ignores the warning, finds an opportunity, and kills his brother. The first murder shows Cain usurping God`s control over life and death.

 `Where is Abel, your brother?” Also interesting that God adds, “your brother” to clarify, as if there was any other Abel in town.  He does it to stress their relationship, which accentuates the heinousness of his crime. Cain’s sarcastic answer in Gen 4:9 reveals his heart. He has no remorse. He lies and doesn’t take responsibility.

 “What have you done?” Gen. 4:10 The question shows God’s outrage. Abel’s blood cries for vengeance; Christ’s blood cries for forgiveness. God assigns his punishment. He is to be a fugitive, with no secure place, and banishment from any godly influences.

 He complains about his punishment. He still isn’t sorry for his sin; only sorry he got caught. (Gen. 4:13). Cain anticipates violent behaviour and vengeance (vs. 14). God gives a conditional life sentence, even though he doesn’t deserve it. That’s mercy (vs.15).

 Cain leaves with his wife, who is...? (a sister). See Gen. 5:4. Women are not mentioned in genealogies unless they were significant to the story. They may have had many other children as well, but are not mentioned because they are not significant to the story, or were much younger.

There is no evidence in Scripture to suggest Adam and Eve saw Cain or his family ever again.

 Now Adam and Eve finally understood what their sin had cost; one son dead, the other exiled, and this was only the beginning. We don’t always see how horrible sin is because that’s all we know. But you don’t ask a skunk if a skunk smells.

 The End
A new son is born; Seth, a replacement for Adam. He is the godly line. God will not be frustrated in His promise to bring the Deliverer into the world, God “appointed another seed.” His plan will not be thwarted, despite Satan’s schemes against Him. (Gen. 4:25) God’s grace preserved the Messianic line. “Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.” (Gen. 4:26)

 Contrast with Cain’s family who have no mention of God in their lives, just ‘progress’; building cities, advancing in arts and sciences, making things. (Gen. 4:19-22). Polygamy is also commenced in the ungodly line, rebelling against God’s plan that marriage be monogamous. (Gen. 5:1-5). Adam was 130 years old when Seth was born, and then he lived another 800 years. Adam and Eve had many sons and daughters, but we know who did most of the suffering for that. I can’t imagine all those pregnancies.

Finally, he died. His soul and body were separated. This was the next aspect of death, another separation. Remember, death is not annihilation, but separation.

We can assume Eve lived about as long as Adam, maybe longer, as women do. They didn’t record that information about women in Biblical genealogies. Death comes to all, regardless of how long we live. How much shorter do our lives seem, we who live ‘three score and ten’, or seventy years on average? Our lives are a vapour. Life is short and eternity is long.

Eve was a woman unlike any other, knowing a time before sin, a time of perfect fellowship with God and unity with her husband.

Consider all her losses; her innocence, her relationship with God; her marriage relationship changed; loss of her home; one son murdered; one son exiled.

 So, are Adam and Eve in hell? What do you think? I would say no, because of:

1)    God’s promised redeemer (Seed of the woman)

2)    His provision of a covering for them

3)    His mercy towards them in sending them away and barring them from Eden.

Yes, it was a punishment, but it was to save them from a worse predicament, being in a sinful nature and never dying, (if they would have eaten from the Tree of Life).

4)    I also think He taught them about sacrifice, and what was an acceptable way to approach God, which is what they taught their sons, although Cain refused to do what he knew was right.

5)     I also see God’s mercy in giving them Seth, and giving them hope that the Redeemer would come who would make it all right.

6)    Also, Adam is mentioned in the redemptive line of Christ in Luke 3:21-38. In it he is called, Adam, the son of God.

Kody!

April 11, 2011.

Outside my window...a warm spring day, but very windy.
I am thinking...Kody, the puppy that belongs to my daughter's housemate, needs a home because her circumstances have changed. We are considering adopting him since he has already visited here twice and is familiar with us and the house. We've known him since he was a little puppy and we all love him. Even my Mom is okay with having a dog in the house. However, we know it's a huge responsibility financially, emotionally, and time wise. We also know we'll be giving up some freedom because we have to always think about getting home in time to let him out, and walk him a lot. So, in order to help us decide, we are looking after him for ten days. At that point we'll decide. Ashley dropped him off today with all his stuff, food and paperwork. It was hard for her to say goodbye, but at least if he's with us, she can still visit him. We have to decide between Kody forever, or Kody never again. He is a 17 week old Golden Retriever/Australian Shepherd mix. He looks more shepherd than anything else. He will be a big dog, but smaller than a German Shepherd. He will need to be neutered and sent to obedience school, but if we decide to keep him, we'll do whatever needs to be done.
I am thankful for...a successful fundraiser on Friday. The Music for Malawi concert met their target for purchasing instruments and equipment for evangelism. I had my twice yearly insomnia, and some relatives visiting from out of town, so I was awake for 34 hours straight. I was setting up for refreshments on Friday but I was functioning on auto pilot. It was nice, and they appreciated that I decorated the tables in the three colours of Malawi's flag. Then we had two couples stay overnight so that they wouldn't have to travel far on Friday. Then on Sunday, I finished my message on Eve. I still have to finish typing it in, though.
From the kitchen...bbq steak and a salad.
I am wearing...jeans, a blue floral top white sweater and spring jacket.
I am reading...Every Thought Captive by Richard L. Pratt Jr. for the adult class on Apologetics.
I am hoping...Kody will settle into a routine and not miss Ashley too much. It helps that my eldest is coming home tonight for the ten day trial because he knows her better.
I am hearing...one-sided phone conversations on the train.
Around the house...we ordered a runner for the hallway because someone said the dog's nails will chew up the hardwood. Sounds like we're keeping him, doesn't it? I had bloodwork done today. I was at the Doctor last Monday because I've had a cough for five weeks. I am on antibiotics and my cough is gone. However, I'm concerned about some other things, but I'll wait to see what the tests show. I'm sure it contributed to my insomnia. In the middle of the night, all worries are magnified. I had myself dead and buried already; (not for the first time). I always fear the worst. I tried to pray about it, but it's not easy for me. It's also not easy for my husband to live with a hypochondriac who works in an Oncology Hospital and hears everyone's stories. For all my worrying, I had not grown one inch by morning. :)
One of my favourite things...Kody. Yes, I love him. When I was three we had a German Shepherd named Wolf, but he was hit by a car and died. I always said if I ever got a dog, it would be a Shepherd, so he's perfect.
Some plans for the week...work three nights, get our paperwork in order for my husband to do our taxes (I love him), finish typing up my message, present it on Saturday morning, and have guests over Saturday night for dinner and a hot tub. If it's warm, we'll bbq.

Music for Malawi

April 4, 2011.

Outside my window...grey and overcase, but mild, about 14C.
I am thinking...I'm glad my daughter's friend is okay. She was attacked on the street in Hamilton, walking home on Saturday night. It was just two blocks and she was talking on the phone to her boyfriend at the time. A man passed her and then turned around and hit her on the head so she fell and dropped her phone. Her boyfriend could hear her screaming but was powerless to help. The man punched her in the face and tried to touch her, but then for some reason, just ran away. She was shaken up, and reported it to police in the morning. I know it could have been much worse, but even so, these things follow you for a long time and make you jumpy.
I am thankful for...the incident not being as bad as it could have been.
From the kitchen...tilapia provencale, salad.
I am wearing...purple workout pants, a grey top and a hoodie...and a spring jacket.Yay!
I am reading...Surrender Bay by Denise Hunter. I know it sounds like some tawdry romance novel, but it's actually a Christian book, and it's about surrender to God.
I am hoping...we have enough sweets for the intermission during music night. Our church is providing the venue for a Music for Malawi night on Friday. It's to raise funds for musical instruments and evangelism tools.
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...my daughters will soon be in exams, then this year will be over for them. My eldest is finishing her third year and my youngest her first of university. Our eldest (20) informed us she is a vegetarian, for health reasons. I can handle that better than if it had been for ethical or religious reasons, but I still don't really 'get' it. I told her my concerns; that she get enough protein, especially because she is a runner and her muscles need it. Also that vegetarianism can be a hindrance to ministry if you don't eat what's in front of you. Also, I warned her about the snobbishness that sometimes comes with it. What else can I do? They have to live their own lives, and I guess they can't be my clones, although I was probably expecting that, in the back of my mind.I also told her I wasn't running a restaurant and would not cook fish every day she's home, or make two separate suppers. Also that both her grandmothers are bound to feel hurt, because she won't be eating what they cook. Really? Even turkey at Thanksgiving and Christmas? I don't get it. I never have. I don't know how we ended up with a hippie child, since that is the opposite of everything we are. But whatever. I got it off my chest.
One of my favourite things...free healthcare. I went to the doctor's today. My appointment, my drugs, and the tests, scans and scopes I have to do were all free. I love Canada!
Some plans for the week...work three nights. Our floor is back to normal with our own patients, again. Even when we're busy with them, I will not complain, because it could be worse: we could have Leukemics. No thanks. Been there, done that for twenty years. If I wanted to work with Leukemics I would have stayed on my old floor. I like our patient population; a mixture of chemo, surgical, radiation and clinical trials patients. On Thursday we're going to my niece's highschool play. She is Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. Then Friday, I have to bake, shop and clean, then go to church to prepare for the music night. After the music night we're having four people stay overnight on their way back to Belleville. I'm not complaining, I enjoy our life. It's just busy sometimes.

Self Publishing

March 29, 2011.

Outside my window...sunny all week, but still a cold wind. On Wednesday, it's supposed to go up to 9C. Feeling more like Spring.
I am thinking...I received some information in the mail today about self-publishing from a Christian company. I know some of the authors represented. They do good work. That might be the path I look at for non-fiction. I think I would probably want traditional publishing for my fiction, if they would want me. :) Still it's exciting to consider and makes me work harder at finishing my manuscript.
I am thankful for...the hospital allowing facebook and twitter at work again.
From the kitchen...cedar planked Atlantic salmon and stir-fried vegetables.
I am wearing...my uniform.
I am reading...The Book of Awesome by Neil Pasricha.
I am hoping...this patient stabilizes.
I am hearing...the calm before the storm. A potential emergency at work.
Around the house...I actually enjoyed the class on fire warden training even though I was sleep deprived. We had the guest speaker and his family over on Sunday night. It was my Mom's 71st birthday on Sunday and we took her out for dinner.
One of my favourite things...good fellowship at church.
Some plans for the week...work three nights. Maybe attend Missionfest on the weekend.

The Women in the Genealogy of Christ: Part Five: Mary

Mary
The Women in the Genealogy of Christ: Part Five

Sources:
The Bible
Lineage of Grace by Francine Rivers
Three Days by Melody Carlson
Her Name is Woman, Book One by Gien Karssen
Roman Catholicism by Lorraine Boettner
Christianity Through the Centuries by Earle E. Cairns

Poor Mary. She’s hardly mentioned in Protestant circles because she’s mentioned so much in Catholic circles. Do you know many Protestants who name their daughter, Mary? No, although it’s a fine name and she was a remarkable woman. I think she would be shocked to see what’s been made of her: elevating her to the status of co-Redemptrix, giving her qualities of deity, pronouncing her sinless, immaculately conceived, ascended to Heaven, worthy of worship, a hearer of prayers, and the queen of Heaven. But more on that later.
Let’s see what Scripture has to say about her, and what Mary herself, has to say.

Read Matthew 1, 2, Luke 1, 2, 8, and John 19, 20

Setting:
After the book of Malachi closes, there are over 400 years of silence before the events recorded in the Gospels. No prophets speaking. A sense of anticipation and expectancy. Surely God would do something and the Jews would be free of their Roman oppressors.
Many Jews had returned from exile; others were scattered throughout the nations. These were referred to as the ‘Diaspora’, or the dispersion.

“But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were born under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.”
Galatians 4:4

The Fullness of Time

A Christian high school textbook called Christianity through the Centuries shows how this period of time was the most favourable for Christianity to make an impact on the world. Not before, and not since have all these political and cultural factors been in place on such a large scale.

1) Romans
-a large region under one law and government. Universal law and Roman citizenship; this idea anticipated a gospel that proclaimed the unity of the race both in setting forth the penalty for sin and the Saviour from sin.
-free movement because of peaceful development (Pax Romana)-the peace of Rome, or on Roman terms. Pompey swept the pirates from the Mediterranean, and Roman soldiers kept the peace on the roads in the realm. This allowed Christians to move from place to place to preach the gospel.
-roads radiated out from the Roman forum to all parts of the Empire. “All roads lead to Rome.”- built of concrete. Paul made use of these roads on his missionary journeys.
-Roman soldiers who converted to Christianity spread the gospel in the places in which they were stationed. i.e. England.

2) Greeks
-intellectual environment
-the Greeks conquered Rome culturally.-Horace
-universal language of the ancient world was Greek, like Latin in the Middle Ages, or English in the modern age.
-the Old Testament was already translated into Greek (the Septuagint)
-most cultured Romans knew both Greek and Latin
-dialect spoken was Koine Greek; a very precise language, i.e. four words for love.
-Greeks had turned from their old religions to philosophy, which could not fulfill (Stoics and Epicureans)
-Christianity alone could fill the vacuum of spiritual life.
-Christianity offered a personal relationship with God, to Greeks who had hungry hearts created by inadequate philosophy.

3) Jews
-the heredity of Christianity
-salvation was “of the Jews” John 4:22
-monotheism. After the Babylonian captivity, the Jews never again lapsed into idolatry.
-numerous synagogues throughout the Mediterranean for three centuries before Christ. These were the first places the gospel was preached, both by Jesus, and the apostles.
-Messianic hope
-Ten commandments; a pure ethical system
-reverence of the Word of God
-many proselytes to Judaism
-viewed history as having meaning
-Palestine was an important crossroad, linking Asia, Africa and Europe by a land route.

“This thing was not done in a corner.” Acts 26:26

“In the period of its birth and three centuries afterward, conditions were more favourable for the spread of Christianity throughout the Mediterranean world than at any other time in the ancient or medieval eras.” Christianity through the Centuries, pg. 43

Who are the Players in this Story?

Joseph

-older than Mary; a carpenter by trade; of the line of David; betrothed to Mary.
-a betrothal was binding, and breaking the engagement was equivalent to divorce.
-relatively poor, as evidenced that they could only purchase a turtle dove for sacrifice, rather than a lamb.
-the gift of gold from the Magi, if it was significant, would have helped with family expenses over Jesus’ lifetime.
-Joseph was genuinely shocked to find out that Mary was pregnant, because he knew he wasn’t the father. He came to the only logical conclusion; Mary had slept with someone while engaged to him.
-yet he still loved her and didn’t like the idea of shaming her, or seeing her put to death, as the law required.
-if not for divine intervention, he probably would have gone ahead with the annulment and been done with it.
-an angel tells him not to fear, but to go ahead with the marriage because of the special nature of the child in her womb.
-Joseph is an honourable man and a mature believer, since he must have been aware that his reputation would be at stake as well. People would talk, and what could he say? How could he possibly explain the situation?
-because of the unique circumstances, he marries her, but does not sleep with her until after she gives birth to Jesus.
-until suggests that after that time, he did sleep with her, as would be expected in a normal marriage.
-the list of the names of their other children attest to this (Matt. 13:54-56) (Mark 6:3), as well as the reference to her ‘first born son’, which implies other sons.
-four brothers are named. Also, since sisters are plural, we can assume at least two, perhaps more, since it says ‘all’ and not ‘both’. At least six or seven children were born after Jesus.
-also John 7:5 “Most natural meaning is the other sons of Mary and Joseph. People at large did not believe in him, but here John says even his own brothers, the members of his own family, did not believe in him.” Roman Catholicism pg. 157
-Psalm 69:8 –Messianic psalm “I have become a stranger to my brothers, and an alien to my mother’s children.”
-Acts 1:14 his brethren are mentioned in addition to the disciples.
-they were his half brothers and sisters, being the children of both Joseph and Mary, while he is the child of Mary alone.
-Mary’s virginity until Jesus was born was the only thing needed to safeguard the deity of Christ and the purity of Mary. Nothing beyond that is required.

“To remain virgins after this is an unnatural relationship. It is absurd, and nowhere in Scripture is approval ever given for such an abnormal relationship. Such an arrangement would have been contrary to nature and simply a frustration to both parties.” Ibid pg. 158

-Mary did not remain a perpetual virgin, as the Roman Catholic church teaches. Neither did Joseph.
-the reason for this view, other than to elevate Mary, is to justify the celibate state of priests and nuns.

-“Rome teaches that the single state is holier than the married state and that there is something unclean and defiling about marriage.” Ibid pg. 158

-Joseph teaches Jesus his trade of carpenter and that is what Jesus is doing until his 30th year.
-the absence of any mention of Joseph in the narratives during the ministry of Jesus suggests that Joseph had died at some point before that.
-we don’t know what he died of, but it’s interesting to note that Jesus did not heal him. It’s not likely that He could not heal, but that since the time had not yet come for His publicly ministry to begin, He chose not to heal Joseph. How did Mary feel about that, I wonder?
-as the eldest son, the care of the family fell to Jesus.
-at the beginning of His ministry, when Jesus left carpentry for good, the care of the family would have fallen to His younger male siblings, who also would have been apprenticed as carpenters.
-however, as Jesus was dying on the cross, He handed over care of His mother to his favourite disciple, John, over His yet unbelieving siblings. Read John 7:5.
-this shows us something of the character of Christ, to be concerned about the welfare of others, even as He is dying an excruciating death.

Joseph receives supernatural revelation four times; Mary, just once.
1) When he is told to marry Mary.
2) When he is instructed to flee Bethlehem and go to Egypt.
3) When he is told to leave Egypt and return home.
4) When they settle in Nazareth.
-each time they moved, he obeyed quickly. He left all, his home, family and business to protect the family God had given him charge of.
-they left Bethlehem just before the slaughter of the innocents. (Matt. 2:14-16)
-how must they have felt when they heard about the massacre by Herod?
-Joseph was an outstanding man, since he was chosen by God to be the foster father to our Lord.

Mary

-a young girl of marriageable age; perhaps 14-15.
-after 400 years of silence, since Malachi, everyone was anticipating what God would do.
-every young woman wanted to be the mother of the Messiah.
-they were feeling the heavy oppression of the yoke of Rome.
-betrothed to an older man in an arranged marriage. She may have loved him, or at least respected him.
-very brave, as she realizes that there will be public scorn over her pregnancy.
-she travels to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who is also pregnant. Mary knows about this from the angel, Gabriel who had announced her pregnancy.
-Mary and Elizabeth’s babies have an instant bond, even before birth. They would not meet until Jesus’ baptism, even though they were second cousins. John spends his life out in the wilderness.
-we know Mary is also of the family line of David, but we don’t know her mother’s name. The Roman Catholics, since they believe in the immaculate conception of Mary, have to go back a generation to venerate her mother, too. Since she is not named, they make up a name, like they do for the Magi, but there is nothing in Scripture to substantiate that. They name her Anne, so they could make her a saint, and pray to her. Also the reason many Catholics will combine the names Mary-Anne or Anne-Marie, to get the ‘blessing’ of both women. But I digress. This topic brings out the Protestant in me.
-Mary knew the heartache of having unbelieving children. James, however, becomes a believer and the head of the church in Jerusalem and presided at the Jerusalem council. (Acts 15:13,19).
-two books of the New Testament, James and Jude, were written by the sons of Mary and Joseph.
-the Roman Catholic church tries to explain these people away as cousins, even though there is a Greek word for cousin, and it is not used in reference to them.
-So, if Mary was about fifteen when she gave birth to Jesus, she would have been 48 when He was crucified. Hardly an elderly woman, but still a woman in a culture where she would have needed someone to provide for her.
-Mary experienced the humiliation of being the subject of gossip, the joy of family life for a time, the heartache of not knowing where a child is, and if he’s all right. She knew the pain of having unbelieving children. She had times of being proud of her son, and the great heartache as she watched His life taken away before her eyes.
-her courage is seen best at Calvary, where most mothers would have collapsed; she persisted.
-as you read the portions of Scripture where Mary is mentioned, you see a progressive distancing of her from Jesus. Family influence decreases as it does as our children grow up. But more than that, she began to see Him not as her son, but as her Saviour.

Regarding the R.C. view of the sinlessness of Mary:
1) After Jesus birth, Mary brought two offerings, one a burnt offering (symbolizing surrender of the will to God) and two, a sin offering (a sacrifice acknowledging sin).
2) In her psalm of praise to God she refers to Him as “God, my Saviour.” Luke 1:46-47
3) Her last recorded words were at Jesus’ first miracle, the wedding at Cana. They are very telling. “Do whatever He tells you to do.”
4) John, into whose care Jesus placed her, knew Mary the best, yet he records the least about her. That is significant.
5) When his brothers come looking for Jesus in Luke 8:19-21 Jesus begins to distance himself from His earthly family to show that the service to God, and in particular His work as Messiah is more important than anything else.
6) After Jesus is raised from the dead, Mary is seen in the upper room, along with the other disciples, praying, not being prayed to.
7) We have no details about her life or death after this. Her purpose in life, while significant, was over. She gave birth to the Messiah, raised Him, and then became one of His followers. Her work, like that of John the Baptist, had ceased.

-What must it have been like to have had the perfect child? No rebellion, no tantrums, no selfishness? She must have really noticed the difference once she had the other children.

Mary, Did You Know?
By Mark Lowry

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
And this child that you delivered
Will soon deliver you?

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know
That your baby boy
Will calm a storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
And when you kissed your little baby
You’ve kissed the face of God?

The blind will see
The deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap
The dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb

Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know
That your baby boy
Will one day rule the nations?
Did you know
That your baby boy
Is heaven’s perfect Lamb?
This sleeping child you’re holding
Is the great I AM.

A Brief Word on Mariolatry

-although I would like to focus just on the positive aspects of the life of Mary, reading only what we find out about her in Scripture, one can’t ignore the monolith of Roman Catholicism, which has deceived so many, in particular in relation to Mary.
-We already looked at the R.C. view of the perpetual virginity of Mary. Keep in mind, this becomes a slippery slope, and for one thing to be true, it assumes other things.
-the R.C. view of the immaculate conception; when a Protestant hears the term, they assume they are referring to Christ, and they would agree with that. They are referring to Mary.
-further, this leads to the doctrine of the sinlessness of Mary, both that she did not commit sin, and that she could not sin.
-all these steps lead to her deification (making her God). Mariolatry demands it. In order to give her the worship they feel she deserves, she must be sinless.
-there is no Scriptural support for this view, but then the R.C.’s never let that stand in their way. Further, they pronounced anathemas (curses) on anyone who did not believe these doctrines, or questioned them.
-Since Mary refers to herself as a sinner, that should settle whether or not a Christian should pray to her.
-she is an admirable character, greatly blessed by God, but she was not sinless. She was only human. She needed to be born again.
-they then had to go farther back to say that she was without original sin (a sinful nature), which is further attested to in her own virgin birth.
-then, if she has no sinful nature, and did not sin during her life, why would she need to die, since death is the penalty for sin?

-“She is given a supernatural entrance into life, and must have a supernatural exit from life.” Ibid. pg.163

-to fix that ‘problem’, one Pope said, she died, but rose again on the third day (sound familiar?) and was taken up into Heaven, escorted by Jesus and an entourage, and made the Queen of Heaven.
-read quote on page 162 of Roman Catholicism on the assumption of Mary.
-then, seated in Heaven, she makes intercession for the millions of people who seek her assistance. How does she do this, being a mere human? Can she hear all prayers, indeed, any prayers? Well, only if she is given the quality of omniscience.
-now, you can pray to her, since she is seen as MORE sympathetic than Jesus.
-this is totally false and missing the point of the incarnation, itself. That’s why God became man, after all. To feel what we feel.

-“They see her as having a mother’s heart, and influence over her son, because ‘what son would refuse the request of his mother?’” Ibid. pg 147

“How dishonouring it is to Christ to teach that He is lacking in pity or compassion for His people, and must be persuaded to that end by His mother! When he was on earth it was never necessary for anyone to persuade Him to be compassionate, rather when He saw the blind and the lame, the afflicted and hungry, He was ‘moved with compassion’ for them and lifted them out of their distress. He had immediate mercy on the wicked but penitent thief on the cross, and there was no need for intercession by Mary although she was there present. His love for us is as great as when He was on earth; His heart is as tender; and we need no other intermediary, neither His mother after the flesh, nor any saint or angel, to entreat Him on our behalf.” Ibid. pg 147-148

-the great antithesis is not between Eve and Mary, but between Adam and Christ.
-the R.C. view has Christ not as a risen Saviour, but a helpless babe or a dead man on a cross. This is the reason we don’t have crucifixes. The cross is empty, as is the tomb. We serve a risen Saviour!
-the R.C.’s, although they give Mary characteristics that only God can have, will admit she is not technically divine.
-nevertheless, they associate her with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in matters of salvation, and refer to her as a co-Redemptrix with Christ.

“At the present rate, we eventually shall have in Heaven no longer a Trinity, but a quartet!” Ibid. pg164

-What is the remedy for Mariolatry? Let the Roman Catholic people read their Bibles, particularly the New Testament. There they will find the living, compassionate, redeeming Christ, with very little said about Mary.”
-this is part of the reason they are discouraged from reading their Bibles.

- this series has looked at five simple, obscure women, made incredible because they were chosen to play a part in the greatest story ever told.

Questions or comments?

Worries

March 21, 2011.

Outside my window...cool and grey. Not too Springy.
I am thinking...I must be worried. I woke up twice today, upset because I dreamed that members of my family made poor decisions. It's probably because I am worried about another member of my family. I should just pray for her instead, and if she really is a believer, she'll see what she's doing does not honour God.
I am thankful for...good preaching. I've been at this church almost 27 years, and have benefitted from at least two hours per week of solid, Biblical preaching. I've heard that if you have had at least one year of Sunday school, you already have more training than some Pastors in certain countries.
From the kitchen...beef teriyaki stir fry.
I am wearing...jeans and a green sweater.
I am reading...Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass.
I am hoping...my relative will feel convicted about her choices.
Around the house...we had relatives over on Friday night. It was good to catch up. Saturday was a quiet and sedate day: my husband was writing his sermon, I was writing my message for the Ladies' Meeting, my daughter was writing a poli-sci paper. We were scattered throughout the house on different computers. Even my other daughter was writing a paper in Hamilton. Both girls have their summer jobs lined up. They are both camp counsellours, but in different places. On Sunday, my sister's family came for dinner. My husband had a busy morning at church, since he was also preaching, but it went well. He preached on the Whole Armour of God. Pedro Rodrigues preached in the evening, on Prayer.
One of my favourite things...teaching adults. After 24 years of teaching children, I feel like I finally found my niche. I like teaching the College and Careers, and the Ladies.
Some plans for the week...work four nights. I don't mind so much because the madness has ended, and now we are back to our usual busyness, without six leukemia patients. On Thursday morning, I'm required to do some Fire Marshall training. Someone's bright idea. I was volun-told. All I know is I won't get home until after 11 a.m. and still have to work again on Thursday nigt. Just griping in advance. Saturday morning, I'll be speaking on Mary, at our Ladies' Meeting.

Tsunami in Japan

March 14, 2011.

Outside my window...a sunny,bright day. I'm wearing a thinner jacket and running shoes, trying to hurry spring along. It was daylight savings time change this weekend, so even though I feel more groggy, it's nice to be going to work in the evening when the sun is still shining.
I am thinking...this past weekend there was an earthquake and tsunami in Japan. They also had a volcano erupt, and explosions at their nuclear power plant. So sad. Whole towns were swept away, even many inland who would have never expected a tsunami. These events show the sovereignty of God and the power of God. Life is short. Life is fragile.
I am thankful for...good news of friends. My friend, Cathy West has her first book coming out tomorrow, on Amazon. It's called Yesterday's Tomorrow and is set during the Vietnam war. Go out and buy it.
From the kitchen...cod, broccoli, and veggies and dip. My husband and I are serious about the diet I did last year that worked for me. Unfortunately, I gained it all back. Round Two.
I am wearing...jeans and a grey sweater.
I am reading...Sunset Beach by Trish Perry, and Within My Heart by Tamera Alexander.
I am hoping...to get through these shifts this week. I honestly dread going to work these days, and you know I've always loved my job. I really hope these "temporary" changes will not become permanent.
I am hearing...conversations on the train. Some Anarchists are talking about Pride week. I don't agree with either one.
Around the house...we had our girls' night/Jane Austen marathon. It was hardly a marathon since we're too old to stay up late. We watched the BBC version of Sense and Sensibility, and then a modern movie called The Jane Austen Book Club, about a group of women who read all six books and discuss them. Their lives are supposed to parallel the stories, but they added in the usual gay storyline, which has nothing to do with any of her novels. It ruined a perfectly good movie for me. On Saturday, we quested downtown to find a vintage store. Cathy's book is set in the 1960's, so she needed to find a dress for her book launch party next week. It was a successful trip. We also enjoyed time with Kody, my daughter's friend's puppy. Makes me want one. I was in the nursery on Sunday and it was relatively painless. We had fellowship after the evening service because our Pastor and his wife are travelling to Texas for three weeks.
One of my favourite things...a fresh haircut, except he styled it so poofy, I look like a mushroom.
Some plans for the week...work three nights. Get my hair highlighted on Friday morning, to hide my greys. Have my mother-in-law, brother-in-law and sister-in-law over for dinner and a hot tub on Friday, work on and finish my message on Mary for the following week, and then my husband is preaching on Sunday morning. It's been a while since he's preached. Pedro Rodrigues is preaching in the evening.

So Close to the Kingdom

March 7, 2011.

Outside my window...snow on the ground, but milder, and the sun is still shining at 6 p.m. Come on, Spring!
I am thinking...my husband had the opportunity to share the gospel very clearly with my mom the other day. He was telling her about the Christian foundations course he's beginning to teach next week. The curriculum, Creation to Christ, has a timeline. He showed it to her and reviewed how God chose Abraham, Noah, Moses, David, etc. She said, "So that's where Jesus fits in? I think I understand." That's huge. Not understanding was always one of her big excuses. She also admitted she is a sinner. That's another huge step. Then she said, "But I don't feel like one of you." My husband told her that if God is opening her eyes to understand the gospel, she just needs to obey and the feelings will come later. He told her to pray. She thanked him for not pushing her. He said that's not how it works. She needs to deal with God herself. Then he prayed with her, but didn't want to 'decision' her. She is so close to the Kingdom, but not there yet. Please pray. Only God can change her heart. If you knew how hostile she was to the gospel when I was saved over 30 years ago, you'd know how amazed I am that she is at this stage. She'll be 71 this month. Lord, please save her! I hope she'll begin the classes with my husband. It could be just what she needs. He's a good teacher and the curriculum is very basic, but a good overview of what the Bible teaches.
I am thankful for...a job that pays 100% sick benefits, so our income wasn't affected when I was off work last week.
From the kitchen...tacos.
I am reading...Thirsting Soul: The Saving Work of God in the heart of man, by Roger Fellows.
I am hoping...that I feel okay at work this week. I'm not 100% yet, but I ended up missing all four of my nights last week. I felt so week, I couldn't do anything but sit around. I had a cough and body aches, mostly, but thankfully no fever. Now my husband has it.
I am hearing...the train.
Around the house...My husband missed church yesterday because of illness. That rarely happens. My eldest will be home on Friday night. My youngest was interviewed for membership at her church. She also received a favourable response from one of her job applications, but is torn because she's still waiting to hear from some of the jobs she applied for with the Ontario Government, which she'd rather have.
One of my favourite things...a new show I saw yesterday, called Secret Millionaire. I thought Extreme Makeover, Home Edition made me cry! It really is a great feeling to be the answer to someone's prayer, even if we can't give away thousands of dollars.
Some plans for the week...work three nights. Shop, clean and bake. Host a girls' night/Jane Austen movie marathon with my eldest daughter, two of her friends, and the mom of one of her friends. Kody, the dog will be coming, too. I'm making homemade pizzas and lemon poppyseed cake. Should be fun, if I can locate enough of the movies.

Funeral Plans

Sounds morbid, I know. But hey, I’m an oncology nurse. That makes me a realist. I know people die every day, and that I will also one day, die. Also, the fact that I am currently home from work suffering from a bad cold, makes me think about it. No, I don’t feel sick enough to die, but I might as well plan for it while there are no strong feelings attached to the idea of planning my funeral.

I’ve mentioned this to my family before, but I suppose it’s best to write these things down, so that my wishes are there for them and they don’t have to wonder what to do.

That being introduced, I would like three hymns sung at my funeral. I will include them in their entirety, because I don’t want particular verses left out inadvertently, and I also would like them sung to a particular tune.

The first is my favourite hymn, And Can it Be? By Charles Wesley
It’s my favourite because I am still amazed that God would take me, an arrogant and ignorant person, and make me interested in His great work on the cross.


And can it be that I should gain
An interest in the Savior's blood?
Died He for me, who caused His pain-
For me, who Him to death pursued?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?
Amazing love! How can it be,
That Thou, my God, shouldst die for me?

He left His Father's throne above
So free, so infinite His grace-
Emptied Himself of all but love,
And bled for Adam's helpless race:
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!
'Tis mercy all, immense and free,
For O my God, it found out me!

Long my imprisoned spirit lay,
Fast bound in sin and nature's night;
Thine eye diffused a quickening ray-
I woke, the dungeon flamed with light;
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.
My chains fell off, my heart was free,
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee.


No condemnation now I dread;
Jesus, and all in Him, is mine;
Alive in Him, my living Head,
And clothed in righteousness divine,
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.
Bold I approach th'eternal throne,
And claim the crown, through Christ my own.


The next is O for a thousand Tongues to Sing by Charles Wesley, 1739
I would like it sung to the tune that we sing at the Carey conference, with men and women each singing their parts, and sing it loudly and heartily, because I’ll be listening from the rafters.

O for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my god and King, The triumphs of his grace.

My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad, the honors of they Name.

Jesus, the Name that charms our fears, That bids our sorrows cease;
‘Tis music in the sinner’s ears, ‘Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of reigning sin, He sets the pris’ner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean, His blood availed for me.

He speaks and, list’ning to his voice, New life the dead receive;
The mournful, broken hearts rejoice; The humble poor believe.


The other is Be Still my Soul, by Katharina von Schlegel, 1697
Number 579 in the Trinity Hymnal, sung to the tune of Finlandia, of course.

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on they side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy god to order and provide;
In ev’ry change he faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as he has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below.

Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the vale of tears,
Then shalt thou better know his love, his heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: they Jesus can repay
From his own fullness, all he takes away.

Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.


If there is time, I also like Jesus, Thy Blood and Righteousness, by Count Nikolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf, 1739 Number 439 in the Trinity Hymnal, because of the words.

Jesus, thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
‘Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.

Bold shall I stand in thy great day;
For who aught to my charge shall lay?
Fully absolved through these I am
From sin and fear, from guilt and shame.

When from the dust of death I rise
To claim my mansion in the skies;
Ev’n then this shall be all my plea,
Jesus hath lived, hath died, for me.

Jesus, be endless praise to thee,
Whose boundless mercy hath for me—
For me a full atonement made,
An everlasting ransom paid.

O let the dead now hear thy voice;
Now bid thy banished ones rejoice;
Their beauty this, their glorious dress,
Jesus, thy blood and righteousness.


If possible, I would like our friend John Himanen, to sing his song, I Know You Well. If that is not possible, I would like it played as the casket is taken from the church.

The day will come when all our work here on earth is done
And we'll leave this troubled world behind
It may be soon for I know Jesus waits for me
And He yearns to place His hand in mine
Well the future is not mine to see but here today
I give Him all my life to hear Him say

I know you well, you ran the race
You made your home inside My grace
I know you well, you fought the fight
You did not waver when I called you to stand for what's right
I know you well.

I do not look for man's applause in choosing how I live
I have no need of worldly fame
Above all else I pray each moment of my life
Would glorify His holy name
And of all the things that ever will be said of me
Lord, I long to hear that You've been pleased.

I know you well, you ran the race
You made your home inside My grace
I know you well, you fought the fight
You did not waver when I called you to stand for what's right
I know you well, I know you well, My child.
I know you well.

If I had the gift to speak in tongues of men and angels
And if I had the faith so mountains I could move
What wouuld I gain if love was lost in reaching greatness
If you could not say to me

I know you well, you ran the race
You made your home inside My grace
I know you well, you fought the fight
You did not waver when I called you to stand for what's right
I know you well, I know you well, My child.
I know you well.

I asked my husband once about writing a verse from a hymn on my tombstone. He said, ‘no way, you have to pay by the letter’. Oh, well, so he’s not always sentimental. So I said, ‘okay, at least write that verse on my funeral program.’
Perhaps a bible verse on my tombstone. Something short, like “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.” Or even just, “saved by grace”.

The verse is from the hymn, The Sands of Time are Sinking, by Anne R. cousin, 1857
Trinity hymnal, 599 the last verse.

“The bride eyes not her garment,
But her dear bridegroom’s face;
I will not gaze at glory,
But on my King of grace;
Not at the crown he gifteth,
But on his pierced hand:
The Lamb is all the glory
Of Emmanuel’s land.”


I would also like someone to read the following quotation from Richard Baxter’s book, The Saint’s Everlasting Rest. Following was a review I wrote of his book, Aim High.


Richard Baxter was a Puritan Pastor in England from 1615-1691. He wrote many books, which were, essentially, a collection of his sermons. This quote is from his book, The Saints' Everlasting Rest. It gives you perspective about the brevity of this life in the light of eternity. No one could doubt the pastoral heart of Baxter, or his own love for the Saviour. An eleven year old boy who was dying, asked to have some of Mr. Baxter's book, so that he could "read a little more of eternity before I go to it."
It is written from the perspective of a soul newly arrived in glory and reflecting on the journey and the destination he/she almost missed out on. I can't read it without crying.

"From heaven's height the soul surveys the Promised Land. Looking back on earth, the soul views the dreary wilderness through which it passed. To stand on Mount Memory, comparing heaven with earth, fills the soul with unimaginable gratitude, and makes it exclaim:
'Is this the inheritance that cost so much as the blood of Christ? No wonder! O blessed price! Is this the result of believing? Have the gales of grace blown me into such a harbor? Is this where Christ was so eager to bring me? O praise the Lord! Is this the glory of which the Scriptures spoke, and of which ministers preached so much? I see the Gospel is indeed good news!
Are all my troubles, Satan's temptations, the world's scorns and jeers, come to this? O vile, nature, that resisted so much, and so long, such a blessing! Unworthy soul, is this the place you came to so unwillingly? Was duty tiresome? Was the world too good to lose? Could you not leave all, deny all, and suffer anything for THIS? Were you loathe to die to come to this? O false heart, you had almost betrayed me to eternal flames and lost me this glory! Are you not ashamed now, my soul, that you ever questioned that Love which brought you here? Are you not sorry that you ever quenched His Spirit's prompting or misinterpreted His providence, or complained about the narrow road that brought you to such a destination?
Now you are sufficiently convinced that your blessed Redeemer was saving you, as well when he crossed your desires, as when he granted them; when he broke your heart, as when he bound it up. No thanks to you, unworthy self, for this crown; but to God be the glory for ever!'"


But above all, at my funeral, preach the gospel. Remind everyone there, that life is brief at best and they will soon stand before the God of all the earth. He will either be their Saviour or their Judge.