I am combing Genesis for passages speaking of — or symbolically foreshadowing — Jesus’ death on the cross or His resurrection from it.
I don’t need to read far! There it is already, in the third chapter of the Bible! There, right at the beginning, right in the curse on mankind for our sin against God, I see Christ presented as its remedy! Condemning the Serpent who has deceived Eve into turning from her Lord and Creator to seek knowledge and self-elevation elsewhere, God declares the deceiver’s doom. And in His pronouncement lies the promise of hope for humanity:
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel” (Gen 3:15). The “Seed” (Offspring) of the woman will bruise this serpent Satan’s head (Revelation 12:9 & 20:2) —and in the process His own heel will be bruised.
Then I read again these other references I find for the word “bruise” in the KJV: Isaiah 53:5,10, and Romans 16:20 (KJV). And I consider the “bruising” Christ’s heel took when that great iron spike drove through it, as this article on crucifixion explains. And I marvel once again at this age-spanning plan!
What a merciful God! What a loving Christ, to pay the price for unworthy man! And what an “Easter” message lies in Isaiah 53:10, where it says, “When you make His soul an offering for sin, He will see His seed.” (His seed = His offspring = me, you, any who become His own through acceptance of this His offering on our behalf.) What promise of not only deliverance, but also adoption as sons and daughters! Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Sylvia, thanks for including me in this study. So many times, I get caught up in the busyness of life that I don’t spend the time I should reflecting on Jesus and prophecy to this extent. I love going deep in Scripture to see how it all fits together. Recently, I’ve doing an in-depth study on discipleship, which has led me to the cross and the meaning of “taking up my cross daily.” Your study will fit right into that.
See you in a twinkling,
Brenda
Boy, Brenda, that’s just how it is with me so many times. That’s the real reason I decided to do this series of posts leading up to Resurrection Day. It focuses me.
So glad to have you “along.” 🙂
No greater love than this, looking forward to learning more of this great “LOVE” , thanks Sista!
Sylvia,
Thank you so much for helping me to re-focus on the importance of this season. I get so caught up in the day t0 day cares of my life and job that I forget to give time to God and Christ. I may not post a comment every day, but I will keep reading.
Beth
So sweet to see your note here, Beth, and to be sharing together in this. And so glad if this helps you refocus. I need this kind of reminder so much myself.