I questioned why this “first life” was necessary when we would eventually reach perfection anyway in our new glorified bodies, why the devil and this world was allowed to tempt us away by the desires of our flesh. Why obedience could be a real challenge at times, even writing this has been difficult with all the distractions that entice me away.
God put temptation in the garden of Eden from the very start. He had a relationship with Adam spending time with him in the cool of the evening. Regardless, both Adam and Eve disobeyed Him listening to the serpent rather than the heed of God.
Why did God even put that tree there in the first place? I think God wanted more and expected more from his “wonderfully and fearfully made” creation. He wanted to be loved back yet, Adam and Eve both disregarded the warning, thus choosing their flesh over relationship with their creator.
This creation isn’t broken; it’s what it has to be. The wasp has to sting, and the bird has to eat it. The paradise was put in men’s hands, and this is the result due to our selfishness.
On the other hand, I see “bubbles” form that works contrary to nature when God intervenes. Harmony happens when we are aligned with God. Even the lions’ mouth was shut, revealing that Daniel was correct when everyone else had it wrong.
I find myself with verses in the Bible, such as “separating the sheep from the goats” and “wheat from tares” and have to consider their relevance with our choices. I know there will be many saying “Lord, Lord” who will not enter eternal life. In conclusion, this “first life” is God saying, “Will you choose me, or this world?”