Sermons from the past...

Seductive Serpents

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

Anyone who really knows me would know that I am petrified of snakes. This is not a fear that I take lightly. A few years ago, when I was a camp counselor I had an encounter that scarred me for life. I took a group of senior high teenagers on a tubing and rock climbing trip. Half of the group was scaling the mountain while the other half went tubing along the river beneath the cliffs. I happened to be tubing on this particular afternoon. I, along with some teenagers were taking it easy just floating freely down the river. Six or seven kids were in tubes while I and a few others were in the water. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a water snake coming straight for me. So like any responsible counselor, I quickly grabbed one of the kids on the tube, threw them in the path of the snake, and jumped into their inner tube in order to save myself.

I wasn’t joking when I said I was petrified of snakes. I’m not alone in this fear. Countless people share this same phobia of snakes. However, there was a time when snakes weren’t feared at all. Our Old Testament lesson for today shows us the bold relationship between a serpent and Eve. Historically, we tend to view this passage as the downfall of humanity. We automatically assume that the snake is seductive and evil. Yet, if we take a closer look at this story we would see something much different a seductive serpent.

This familiar story begins with God’s command to eat freely from any tree, except from the tree of knowledge. Simple enough. Next we encounter the serpent and Eve. From the very beginning we see that Eve was not afraid of the snake. In fact when the snake enters the scene Eve shows no fear or surprise or concern. Instead they begin a conversation. Happens all the time- you know snakes talking and all. The snake raises a question about the amount of freedom God has given humans. The snake continues by sharing his idea of what would happen if she ate from the tree: that their eyes would be opened and they would be like God, knowing good and evil.

The serpent has only presented some possibilities. The snake doesn’t coerce her, or twist Eve’s arm, nor does he entice her by presenting to her the fruit from the tree. Instead the snake uses words that make Eve question God’s command. Eve focuses only on the potential the tree offers. How can knowing the difference between good and evil be a bad thing? Aren’t we supposed to be more like God? Free will, a conversation with a snake, and a desire to know more changed the history of mankind forever.

Today is the first Sunday of Lent, otherwise known as Serpent Sunday or Temptation Sunday. Every year on this particular Sunday the readings draw our attention to the temptations that we face daily. The truth is the things that separate us from God, the temptations that we face daily aren’t as black and white as we would like to believe. Allow me to explain. In both the Old Testament and gospel reading for today we find a pattern:

1. Neither Eve or Jesus were afraid of their “tempter”

2. The encounter began through a conversation

3. Both Eve and Jesus were offered something from their tempter

4. Both responded to the temptation. Eve fell for it while Jesus overcame it.

This is a pattern worth exploring. You see, temptations often come from people we aren’t afraid of. Our friends, family members, even people we trust and admire can tempt us without us even knowing it. A friendly conversation can quickly turn into a temptation to gossip, to put down others, or to speak ill of someone. Without even realizing it we fall to such temptations through a simple conversation with a friend.

Or here’s another classic example. You’re at the elks having a beer after a long days work. You’re getting ready to leave and another elk’s member, out of generosity, buys you another drink. This person means you no ill harm, yet without thinking twice you down that drink. Temptation wins again. Finally, here’s just one more example. Your boss impressed with your work asks if you can stay an extra few hours to finish up a project. Tempted by money, or the pride, or the desire to please someone else you begin staying longer each day. Soon you realize that you haven’t spent any quality time with you family. Temptation wins yet again. These are the things that can damage our relationships with God and with one another.

You see, we are often offered things that at first glance don’t seem like stumbling blocks at all. How can having a conversation with a friend be a temptation? How is working extra hours a bad thing? Since when did the internet, cell phones, and television become a barrier between me and God? These are serious questions that need serious answers. The reality is we don’t always see clearly, we don’t always know what is good or bad for us or what hurts our relationship with God. We don’t always know we are being tempted.

There was one difference in the temptation stories of Eve and Jesus. In the Genesis story Eve succumbs to the temptation and eats from the tree of knowledge. In the Gospel Account Jesus overcame the temptation for power, greed, and self reliability. I think the difference between the two is the fact that Jesus knew what was good and evil because Jesus had a deeper relationship with God. He studied scripture; he had regular conversations with God, and drew his strength from his Creator.

On Ash Wednesday, Bill preached a sermon about prayer. He talked about how important it is to have conversations with God regularly. I couldn’t agree more. Prayer is going to be critical this Lenten Season if we are going to find our weaknesses and truly triumph over temptation.

Since the beginning of time people have been tempted and that isn’t going to change anytime soon. What choices will we find our self making this Lenten season? Are we going to choose the forbidden fruit or are we going to triumph over such temptations? Are we going to blame the serpent or are we going to take responsibility for our actions? For the next forty days I challenge you to ask God what your weaknesses are. What are the barriers that stand between you and God and you and your neighbor? We might be surprised at the response God gives us.