Adam's Curse & A Post-Millennial End - The Prepared Table: Day 6
Song of Praise: Doxology
Scriptures: Genesis 3:1-19 & Revelation 5
Devotion:
From Genesis (the first book of the Bible) to Revelation (the last book of the Bible), all of Scripture tells one magnificent story. Every book, every narrative, and every parable point us to the culmination of God's redemptive plan. Spoiler alert: in the end, King Jesus wins back what was lost, restores what was fractured, and gives fullness to His creation.
To fully appreciate the ending of Jesus' redemption story, we must rightly understand the mass of frightful peril accrued in the beginning. While reading the Genesis account, the weight of Adam and Eve's sorrow and shame is nearly tangible. Sin slithered into the cosmos and fractured everything. Because of their sin, God placed a curse on Satan, Eve, Adam... even the Earth was cursed. These assigned curses reflect the cultivation role that God gave to each member of His creation. Adam was created to lead, protect, provide for his family, and to cultivate the Earth. The rest of the Earth was to be made as prosperous as the Garden of Eden. Interestingly, in Adam's curse, God did not revoke the cultivation assignment, instead, sin had now made this assignment harder. Originally, the ground was submissive and easy to cultivate-now it would wage war against Adam, as would his wife. This war with the Earth was so fierce that eventually, Adam would return to it upon his death. If we stopped reading the Bible at this particular part of Genesis, we might be a bit depressed.
What a sad turn of events. Don't worry, we won't stop reading there. We are going to skip forward to the end of the story. In Revelation 5, we are given a glimpse of some heavenly dealings. The throne room of God is in view, and it is abuzz with activity. What does all of this weeping and scroll opening mean for us?
When Adam sinned, he lost the authority and title to rule the Earth, he forfeited his rights. Who had possession of Earth after Adam lost his right to rule? The answer is Satan. What a plot twist! Humanity needed a hero, and fast! Remember that heavenly scene we read about? That scene was a snapshot of history; the very moment that King Jesus ascended to the throne, after dying to conquer Satan and sin. Christ alone is worthy to possess and break open the seals to the title deed of Earth. King Jesus owns everything. How marvelous is that?
We are no longer under the tyranny of Satan's rule. King Jesus rules with all authority and power. What Adam lost, Jesus won back. The Earth was not lost forever, Jesus reclaimed it, and is now making all things new. For His glory, He is cultivating new hearts in His people and a new Earth for them to steward. Look at the food on your table. It is a reminder of the reconciling power of King Jesus. Look at your family and friends. Fellowship is yet another reminder that Jesus’ Kingdom expands even beyond your dining room table. The sweet fellowship that Adam took for granted, and ruined, Jesus restored. This time, fellowship between God and His people cannot be compromised. Our fellowship is as secure as Jesus' sacrifice for His church.
Table Talk Questions:
What was the curse that God gave to Adam?
How did Jesus win back what Adam lost?
Who now holds the Earth's title deed?
Benediction:
May the Lord bless you and keep you;
May the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Today's Meal
Asparagus & Bacon Pasta, Garlic Knots, & Granny’s Chocolate Chip Cake
Recipes:
Asparagus & Bacon Pasta
Prep and Cook Time: about 45-50 minutes
Yields 1-9x13 pan
1 bunch of Asparagus spears (about 1½ cups, chopped into bite size pieces)
1 pound/ box of dry Penne Pasta
4 Tablespoons butter
2 cups Milk
8 ounces Cream cheese
6 ounces sharp Cheddar Cheese
4 ounces Parmesan Cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
1 pound bacon
Instructions:
Fry your bacon, set it to the side. KEEP the bacon drippings.
Prepare two large pots on the stove.
In one, cook your pasta until al dentè, add in chopped asparagus and allow the asparagus to cook with the noodles for 1 minute. Drain and set to the side.
In the other pot on Medium heat, add milk, and melt in the butter, bacon drippings, and cream cheese.
Whisk until smooth.
Add in most of both types of cheese, reserving some to sprinkle on top the dish.
Once the sauce is melted together and combined, mix in the asparagus and noodles. Add Salt and Pepper to taste.
Pour everything into your 9x13 dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
Place in the broiler and allow the top cheese to brown. Serve warm and enjoy.
Garlic Knots
Prep and Cook Time: about 30 minutes
Servings: 16 knots
1- 8 count can Buttermilk Biscuits
4 Tablespoons Butter, melted
2 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon Garlic powder
½ teaspoon dried Oregano
½ teaspoon dried Parsley
Instructions:
Preheat oven to 400°F
Spray a large baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray, set aside.
Cut each biscuit in half and roll each half into a longer strand about 6-8 inch in length.
Tie each strand into a knot and tuck ends gently underneath.
Lay garlic knots on prepared baking sheet and set aside.
In a small bowl whisk together melted butter, parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, and parsley until combined.
Brush a little but of butter mixture over each knot and bake in the oven for about 10 minutes until browned.
Remove from oven and immediately brush with remaining butter mixture.
Granny's Chocolate Chip Cake
Prep and Cook Time: about an hour +30 minutes for the cake to cool
Yields 1- 9x13 pan or 2- 8 or 9 inch rounds
2 cups All-Purpose flour
1 cup packed Brown Sugar
½ cup Sugar
1 Tablespoon Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Salt
½ teaspoon Baking Soda
½ cup Butter
1 ¼ cups Milk
3 Eggs
½ cup Mini Chocolate Chips, or Chopped Chocolate Chips
1 ½ Vanilla extract
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, mix the butter, both sugars, and vanilla until the mix becomes fluffy and pale. This step is important for attaining a fluffy, light, texture.
Mix in the remaining ingredients and divide into two 9 or 8 inch round pans or put into your 9x13 baking pan.
Bake at 350° for 35-45 minutes or until the cake is fully baked.
Frost with Chocolate Frosting (see below for recipe) or sprinkle with powdered sugar or more chocolate chips.
Ericha's Easy Chocolate Frosting
1 cup Butter, softened
1/2 cup Cocoa Powder
5 cups Powdered Sugar
1 teaspoon Vanilla
3-4 Tablespoons milk depending on your desired consistency
Instructions:
In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients, adding enough milk to get the desired consistency, and mix until fluffy and smooth.