Disobedience

Immediate Ramifications of Disobedience
    Chapters 2-4 of Genesis we see God’s exacting of punishment three ways.  All three include banishment from known comfort but that is just the beginning.
    When we were young (and sometimes into adulthood) when we did something wrong we were punished. Some physically, some mentally, sometimes both. We have experienced spankings, facing a corner while standing or sitting, “Go to your room”, wash your mouth out with soap, or other punishments (some children today do not know those techniques). Most of the time the punishment is a result from the child not listening or testing the parent when told not to do something.
     Adam and Eve were told “Do not eat of the Tree of Knowledge” and what did they do? The voice of temptation said it was ok to eat of it because it would bring them closer to God’s likeness and understanding. They did it and felt ashamed. After we did something didn’t we feel a little remorse and try to get out of being punished?
    Adam and Eve hid from God’s sight and when discovered they confessed what they did.  When we do something wrong and try to hide it are we not found out? I’m pretty sure they saw God as a larger more intimidating being when they knew they did wrong. But here is the good part, though they were punished and banished from their garden paradise, they grew up and learned from the mistake. Yes they had the guilt of sin and the recognition of the punishment but they moved on and made the best of the situation.
God teaches lessons through the punishments. 
    Moving on to the devil. God saw the evil that the snake did and gave it (him) fair warning of his impending doom. God banished the devil from enjoying God’s presence all the time though as we find out in Job Satan is a member of the heavenly council, he was not allowed to be in God’s presence very long.  Satan was told that he would be destroyed but it would be a long time. Was God giving Lucifer a chance at redemption?  I do not think so because his ways were too evil. So the devil is imprisoned on earth.
    Cain, poor Cain. He did not understand why God favored Abel’s worship and sacrifices over his. Out of jealousy he kills Abel and is sent away with the mark of guilt. Oh how guilt loves to eat away at a human’s soul. God protects Cain from harm but wow what a thing to have to live with the knowledge that you committed a sin, a heinous crime, and cannot be killed to relieve the pain.
What is the lesson here? Do not try to hide your sins, they will be discovered and you will suffer the consequences.  Also, it is better to confess wrongdoings and accept the consequence for your actions.