The First Prophecy
A few years ago I ran across this picture, and immediately it called to me, the way that only true art can do to us. The top one is by Sister Grace Remington, and the bottom one is by Scott the Painter.
It shows two women, Eve on the left and Mary on the right, meeting one another even though they never did on Earth. Eve is reaching out to touch the pregnant belly of Mary while still clutching the fruit in her hand, and Mary holding Eve’s hand and face. It’s a picture of compassion.
Eve had sinned, and brought sin into the world when she listened to the serpent.
Mary was chosen to give birth to the Savior of the world, and she listened to the angel.
Both women faced something no one else had ever faced before, and made choices that impacted the rest of the world.
It is easy to look down on Eve for making the wrong choice, but I like the artist’s choice to have Mary be compassionate instead.
It is easy to cast judgment, and hard to forgive.
That’s what we see Mary do, showing compassion through forgiveness, and holding onto Eve.
In life we will all have times where we can see the faults of others, see how they have hurt so many, and have to make a choice of how we see them and treat them.
I think in those times we have to make a choice just like Eve and Mary had to make a choice. Will I listen to that serpent who wants me dead and to hurt others, or will I listen to God who wants to give to all of us
life to the full?
Will I choose to forgive the boss who wronged me?
Will I choose to forgive the family member who has left me feeling broken and not good enough?
Will I choose to forgive the person I thought was my friend but betrayed me?
Will I choose to look on with compassion those who are struggling with sin?
What will I choose to do?
I know in times of great personal struggle I can remember what Jesus chose to do.
The first recorded prophecy is found in Genesis 3:15, where we are told a descendant of Eve’s will bruise the head of the serpent, while being bruised on the heel by the serpent.
Jesus chose to crush that serpent’s head for us, knowing how awful the cost would be for Him.
Take time and reflect on this truth, “God made Jesus who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him?" -2 Corinthians 5:21
Jesus paid the cost, and we can make the choice to follow Him and forgive and have mercy on others.
Jesus can help us look on others with compassion.
