Last Sunday, as we were driving to church, we witnessed a peculiar and ridiculous scene: A cow bending over the fence, straining her whole body in an attempt to retrieve a delicious morsel of “greener” grass from the other side of the fence.
This foolish cow’s deed is a symbol of the actions of many other animals that risk life and limb in order to get a taste of the forbidden fruit or pasture. Sadly, animals are not the only ones that seek that which is dangerous and/or prohibited.
Have you ever been tempted to desire that which does not belong to you? Have you dreamed (or daydreamed) about having a different house, car, wife, children, job, etc.?
Many years ago, I was tempted to take a bite of the seemingly greener grass. I quickly found out that the grass on the other side is not only not greener, but it tastes like Poison Ivy. I wonder if this is how Adam and Eve felt after they ate the forbidden fruit.
The myth of “Greener Pastures” is only an illusion, a mirage, or as the title indicates a myth. Like the Roman Mythology and all its false gods, it deals with man made stories and beliefs that have nothing to do with the truth.
This myth is, first of all, DECEITFUL. In Genesis 13:10 we read:“And Lot lifted his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere (before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah) like the garden of the Lord” (emphasis mine)
Lot thought that he was looking at another Eden, while in reality he was running (or walking) into real danger. Appearances can be deceiving as we all know. Even the devil and his minions dress up in garments of light sometimes and temptation never forgets to visit us robed as a beautiful bride on her wedding day.
This myth is also DANGEROUS. 1 John 2:15-16 says, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”It is dangerous to love the world and its pastures. It is impossible to serve two masters – impossible to love our Lord and the world at the same time. Do not pursue the things of this world. Follow Christ.
Finally, this myth brings DEATH. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve ate from the forbidden tree and instead of entering into a state of enlightment (as they expected), they fell from grace and eternal life. Death entered into the world because our forefathers believed in the myth of greener pastures.
The believers don’t need greener pastures, in fact there is no pasture as green and DELECTABLE as the pastures of our Savior (Psalm 23:1-2). All other pastures are Deceitful, Dangerous and Deadly.If you are a Christian, you are “the sheep of his pasture” (Psalm 100) forever. This is our DESTINY. There is no better pasture or place in the whole universe.
