Genesis 3:15 “I’m declaring war between you and the Woman, between your offspring and hers. He’ll wound your head, you’ll wound his heel.” 

I instinctively close my eyes whenever a snake appears on TV. I don’t like snakes at all, but for some reason, I follow a snake catcher from the Boland. It’s amazing to see how easily he removes snakes, big ones, huge ones, and smaller snakes, out of people’s houses, washing machines, and anywhere you find a dark hole.  

The videos consistently feature people who are clearly disturbed by the animals’ presence. Their reactions vary: some cry out, while others keep their distance, observing the scene from afar. What is evident is a pronounced hostility between the human population and the snakes. 

It all began when Adam and Eve yielded to the snake’s temptation, resulting in their grievous disobedience against God. Consequently, God drove them out of the Garden of Eden – a casting out from paradise, yet not from His sustaining presence. 

God did not leave these two people to face the consequences of their own choice alone. Even when they actually deserved to be “thrown away”, God went to them and drew the first clear line between people and serpent. 

Remember: the serpent symbolises sin. By establishing a definitive boundary between humanity and sin, God affirms that He does not equate the person with the transgression. This distinction, in itself, is a magnificent outpouring of grace. 

But God’s grace did not stop at that line. We know that He finally dealt with sin and its punishment on Calvary. Jesus died, and His blood flowed, so that we no longer have to bear the punishment ourselves. 

God puts everything into it, well, almost everything, to be in a relationship with us. When we deserve a beating, we receive grace. When we want to run away from what we’re doing, God calls us back. 

Therefore, I can’t help but fall on my knees, worship God and yearn even more for an intimate relationship with Him. 

Prayer
Father, thank you for drawing the line and separating me from sin. I am sorry that I cross that line so often. I long for an intimate relationship with You … 

Questions
• Where does God draw a line between you and sin today?
• When did you experience grace when you actually deserved punishment?
• What step can deepen your intimate relationship with God?

Do this now
Think back to a moment when you experienced God’s grace, even though you actually deserved punishment. Thank Him for it in prayer.
Read Genesis 3:15 again and remind yourself that Jesus always stands between you and sin, not to condemn, but to save.