"Did God Really Say…?"

 

September 18, 2025

Genesis 3:1–6 

"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…?'"

There it is. The very first lie in human history! Notice it didn’t show up looking all that frightening or scary. No horns. No flames. Just a simple question: “Did God really say ...?” It was sneaky and calculated, sowing a little seed of doubt into the middle of a relationship of trust.

What I find interesting is that this same question still echoes today in every corner of culture. It was not limited just to Eden.

“Did God really say marriage is sacred?”
“Did God really say truth is absolute?”
“Did God really say you’re made in His image?”

The voice of rebellion that we hear throughout Scripture, and even in our modern life, offers to us "seductive" alternatives to God’s design. This voice promises boundless freedom, self-defined identity, and wisdom without submission. Yet, have you noticed that wherever this voice receives a following, it naturally leads into exile. What is Exile? Is it not living away from one's true home, uprooted from God's design?

What we encounter in life, is the pull of competing voices, the "echoes of Eden" (God's Voice) or the "echoes of Exile" (Cultures Voice)

Echoes of Eden (God’s voice):

“You are loved, chosen, and called.”
“My commands are life.”
“Walk with Me in truth.”

Echoes of Exile (culture’s voice):

“You can redefine everything.”
“God’s Word is outdated.”
“You’re your own authority.”

I suspect those of you reading this know the reality of being Jesus' disciples that each day we make the decision about which voice we will trust. Yes, the serpent still whispers. But so does the Shepherd.
Please remember we were made for Eden. Don’t settle for anything less.

Let's Pray

God, help me to recognize the lies that sound like truth. Give me discernment to reject the serpent’s whisper and courage to trust Your Word. I choose Your voice, Your truth, and Your way. Amen.