Hope for the Pessimist
Lately, I have been pondering the brokenness of life. Not necessarily the big, catastrophic tragedies. More like the normal, daily difficulties of being alive and human in this world. Allergies, lack of energy, conflicting desires between what I know to be good and right, and what seems to be the path of less resistance, financial pressure, the difficulty of work and relationships, the list could go on and on. Granted, I am not the most optimistic person in the world. Some of my friends and family may call me the mayor of “Glass-half-empty” Ville. And there are real issues there, but I know I am not alone. Perhaps you can relate to this.
Hopelessness can begin to set in as one reflects on the harsh realities of life. But there is a strange comfort in the words of Genesis 3. Probably one of the most famous passages in the Bible, and not without reason; it details the events that led to what is famously known as “the fall of humanity”. Which is why I say “strange” comfort. In case you have no idea what I am talking about, here is a synopsis:
At the beginning of time, God created everything – earth, the skies, stars, animals, humans – everything. The Bible says all was created good, there was no defect, and everything worked as it should. This means that the physical world was created and equipped with everything needed to sustain life and for life to flourish. Humans were created in a perfect paradise, with everything they needed. Most importantly, they were made to be in relationship with God, living under his care and rule while fulfilling their mandate to take care of creation as those representing God. Everything was in its right place. Life was good, and not difficult and unpredictable because everything functioned as it should, under the loving rule of God.
However, things changed dramatically in chapter 3 when the humans chose to disobey an instruction they were given by God. This act of a lack of trust in God lead to dire consequences; the corruption of all mankind after them (who would then continue the same pattern of rebellion) along with death and suffering. This brings me back to life today.
Reading closely the events of chapter 3, we see the origins of life as we know it now. The further you read in Genesis the more you see the downward spiral. It is actually quite difficult to read. But as I read chapter 3, I was comforted for two reasons.
The first is that this account tells us why life is the way it is. It shows us how life was meant to be and what went wrong. In a way, it validates our groanings as we plod along in this life because it presents us with the reality of a world ruined by evil and sin. (Please understand, I use the word validate carefully, not to mean that it validates sin, but that Genesis 3 simply corresponds with our experience of life as being difficult because of sin). Life is hard, that is the reality. Genesis confirms it and diagnoses the problem (we are the problem). We are not left in the dark like we are in some cruel experiment. We get to know foundational truths that can help us make sense of life.
The second reason is found in verse 21:
“The Lord made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.”
The rebellion of the humans was serious, and led to very serious and lasting consequences. Yet the Lord clothed them. He was kind to them. This brings the light of hope in the story because it reveals God’s character, as not only just but merciful. Perhaps he will show mercy to mankind.
Well, does he? Spoiler alert – yes. As the story of Genesis continues, and even the rest of the Bible unfolds, we see God’s mercy more and more; it is far deeper and richer than we could ever imagine. The climax is Jesus. God clothed the first man and woman in their shame in chapter three. But God, in Jesus, clothes with his righteousness anyone and everyone who will depend on his mercy. Jesus hung on the cross, unclothed and shamed, to reverse the curse that came upon mankind in Genesis 3.
So yes, life is very hard right now and scary. It is pretty ironic to find comfort in Genesis 3 (especially if you are a pessimist!). Yet, we do see a glimpse of hope for the story of humanity. And in Jesus, we see more fully the richness of God’s mercy towards undeserving sinners. Because of the Lord’s mercy, even the pessimist can live a life of hope and joy in the midst of the difficulty, if only they would consider such mercy and cast themselves upon it.
