Monday | 18 February 2019
In the first instance, the ground was cursed because of the fall of mankind. Gen 3:17. To understand this implication of the Fall, we note that the Son of God was the ‘firstborn over all creation’. Col 1:15. All things were created through Him and for Him. Col 1:16. Adam was given dominion over the natural creation. The natural creation was sustained and in harmony while man remained connected to the order of headship under Christ. 1Co 11:3. When Adam sinned, through disobedience, he was cut off from Christ’s headship. As a consequence, creation was no longer sustained by the life of Yahweh. It was now subjected to futility. Rom 8:20. All living things were now competing for life and survival.
Through His offering, Christ was reversing the curse by reconnecting man and creation to Himself. Furthermore, He was disempowering the fallen mode of existence that claims the right to life through exercising might and power over others. This fallen way of living is commonly referred to as ‘the survival of the fittest’ and is the basis of all conflict. Jas 4:1‑2.
Paul explained that Christ reconciled all things, on earth and in heaven, ‘having made peace through the blood of His cross’. Col 1:20. Peace in creation was established through the blood that was shed on account of the fifth wound – namely, the crown of thorns. In this regard, we note that Christ was still wearing the crown of thorns when He was being crucified on the cross.
It is equally true that God cursed the ground for man’s sake, promising Adam that ‘thorns and thistles’ would be an outcome of his toil and sweat. The purpose of this action by God was not to punitively condemn Adam for his transgression in the garden. Rather, it was an act of mercy and loving discipline to turn Adam, and thus all of mankind, back to fellowship and connection with God.
Further Study:
Isaiah 50
Daily Proverb:
References:
Gen 3:17
Then to Adam He said, ‘Because you have heeded the voice of your wife, and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying, “You shall not eat of it”: Cursed is the ground for your sake; in toil you shall eat of it all the days of your life.’
Col 1:15-16
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him.
1Co 11:3
But I want you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
Rom 8:20
For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope.
Jas 4:1-2
Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? You lust and do not have. You murder and covet and cannot obtain. You fight and war. Yet you do not have because you do not ask.
Col 1:20
And by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.