Snakes frequently get the award for creepiest animal. But actually they are often docile creatures. Before the curse they were considered truly beautiful.


God’s curse on the serpent seems random until you see it for what it is: a permanent object lesson. God had just dealt with man’s fall from innocence. God knew that because of Adam’s sin, a great cost would be paid to restore mankind and rescue His people from the punishment of death.


The cursed serpent is a reminder that temptation can come even from beautiful things. But in verse 15 we already – in the very beginning of the Bible! – are given hope. God makes His first promise to send a Savior to buy back anyone who fell for the serpent’s lies: “He [Jesus] will crush your [Satan’s] head and you [Satan] will strike his [Jesus’] heel.” This mysterious pronouncement means that although Satan would someday play a role in the death of Christ, the final outcome would be Jesus’ resurrection, the destruction of Satan, and the redemption of all who believe in Jesus.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tom Petersen’s 17 years as an elementary school teacher (all at a Christian school in southern California) make him the perfect writer for this month’s theme about object lessons found in the Bible. Tom’s wide-ranging interests include photography, music, sailing and studying the Spanish language. His passion for the Lord is shared by his wife Diana and their 25-year old daughter, Angel.