Genesis and Matthew XIV

"I will never curse the soil again on humankind's account, since what the human heart forms is evil from its youth . . . "


And Jesus, seeing their mood, said, "Why are you brooding evil in your hearts?"

God shows a distinct quality in His ability to change. Before the Flood, He was fed up with humanity, and seemed quite eager to eliminate all but a few humans and animals. (Notice that even the animal kingdom paid for man's sins!) But afterward, His heart softened and He proclaimed that He would never wipe out humanity with a flood, ever again. This turning point in His relationship with humanity now moves in the direction of helping us find salvation.

But perhaps there was also a realization, on God's part, (yes, I know, this is awkward, knowing as we do, that God already knows everything!), that man is, basically, evil. He says - humans are evil, and they can't help it. I can't just punish them for something that is inherent in their nature!

God says, "What the human heart forms is evil from its youth."

Jesus says, "Why are you brooding evil in your hearts?"

Why the change? I think it has something to do with God's role as teacher, mentor, parent, Savior. First comes the conclusion: we are evil. This is guilt, shame, and repentance.

Next comes light on our hearts, paring away at our sinfulness, exposing us for what we are.

Okay, we're sinful - how will we change? By letting Christ in, and exposing ourselves, willingly, to Him.

"Brooding evil." Jesus says, "Why are you doing this?" We sit around with our anger, resentfulness, bitterness, jealousy, irritability . . . and our Lord says "What are you doing?" If we will be honest, we will admit that this is pretty much true. There is not a moment when we are not easy targets for evil thoughts to enter in and take over.

Just stop. Jesus can see our moods. Other people can see, too. If we can be asked "Why are you brooding evil in your hearts" then does it not follow, that we can put a stop to it?