This Sunday, we have Genesis 3:8-15 juxtaposed with Psalm 130 and Mark 3:20-35. All three passages deal with sin and forgiveness, and Genesis and Mark are connected to Satan.

Genesis does not actually say that the serpent is Satan, but the serpent is certainly functioning satanically. Adam, Eve, and the serpent defy God, and all three end up suffering. One of my parishioners said that the establishment of enmity between the woman and the serpent was the first instance of hatred in history. Hm.

Psalm 130 provides a contrast to Genesis 3. In Genesis, Adam and Eve hide from God, but the psalmist seeks out God. Adam and Eve deny their sin by scapegoating, while the psalmist admits her or his sin. Adam and Eve receive condemnation, while the psalmist knows she or he will receive redemption.

Mark 3: The unforgiveable sin is believing that Jesus' spirit is demonic. In other words, the unforgiveable sin is rejecting the one who can grant you forgiveness, Jesus.

Homiletic question: How do we confuse spirits, mistaking evil for good and vice versa?

Ecofeminist Homiletics Angle: Both humans and animals are condemned in the Fall, and both are redeemed. Eve is condemned, but she is no more culpable than Adam. Men, women, and nature all fall, and all are redeemed. Except for Rush Limbaugh. Just kidding. Salvation is offered to him, as well.

(from www.goodpreacher.com/blog/)

St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church,
Youngstown, PA