The Blame Game

Where did the blame game start in the Bible? The answer is found in Genesis chapter three. It seems that blame is a very easy place to gravitate to. In Genesis chapter two, we see God’s creations story coming to the crowning jewel; the formation of male and female made in the image of God himself. Genesis 2:7 says, “the Lord formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living being.” Then God moves on in Genesis 2:21 and make Adam’s companion, Eve. “So God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep; and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and closed up the place with flesh. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.”

Adam and Eve must know that God has chosen and created them for one another. As the first couple on earth, they bring no baggage into their relationship, there are no cantankerous in-laws, no rebellious children (yet), no former relationships to be jealous of, no ruthless employer, no bad neighborhoods, or wrong cultural influences. They are in paradise with the God of creation who walks and talks with them. What could possibly go wrong?

God also gives the human race something called “free will”. The serpent enters the scene in Genesis 3: 1-4. The serpent tells Eve that if she will eat the fruit forbidden by God, that her “eyes would be open and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” This serpent lies and tell her she wouldn’t really die and questioned her if she really understood what God had to say. Adam knows exactly what God has said, and apparently shares it with Eve reflected in her response to the serpent. None the less, with Eve’s encouragement, both eat the forbidden fruit.

The instant of disobedience, God is aware that Adam and Eve have broken His heart and command, thus ushering in physical and spiritual death by their sin and for those who follow. When questioned by God, this couple has an answer why they made such a choice. Adam speaks first and says, “The woman YOU put here with me gave me some fruit from the tree and I ate it.” (3:12) Eve speaks and says, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate it. (3:13) In other words, it is not my fault, the blame is on God, a spouse or serpent. Adam and Eve are given free will by God, it is their choice to obey or disobey their creator. We have that same choice today, also the same God and same devil of deception. What will we choose? As God’s first creation found, the Blame Game doesn’t work.

Pastor Ruth Kaunley