East of Eden there they were Adam, Eve, the banished pair,
Exiled from the blissful Eden—home, there were nevermore with joy to roam.
O, how Eve bemoaned that dreadful day, she ignorantly walked away
From Adam’s side—Eden’s beauty to enjoy.
At the thought, what happened in that fateful hour she fell victim to the serpent’s power,
O, what sorrow filled her heart, in breaking God’s commandment she took part,
The forbidden fruit to eat and gave to Adam—then alas, they reaped irrevocable defeat!
Bitter tears bewailing this event, could not prevent the waves of evil
Creeping over fallen man, one sin had unleashed there and then. . .
They were forgiven and a Saviour promised (Genesis 3:15) to atone the broken law
This filled their heart with joy and awe, but never knew Who this would be
To take their place to set them free. That He with Whom were spent sweet times
Their Creator—Christ—Himself would then—one time take their guilt and pay the price
To give Himself as Sacrifice. . .
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Though they loved each other deep and true, their souls knit together bathed in love,
Betimes strange feelings were to move to quarrels to beset the mind, and then in horror
Were to find how the seed of sin had marred, defiled their heart.
Then they wept with sore regret, were frightened what came over them
In tight embrace clung to each other, like to shield themselves from further
Self-inflicted hurt befalling them.
Time went by, they learned providing for the daily need,
Abiding close together they laboured joyfully indeed.
Much was to explore and nature’s wonders cheered their hearts for evermore. . .
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Then leaves were falling from the trees, wilted, brittle, crumbled to decay—
Another day they found a lifeless bird lying on their way,
Terror-stricken on their knees, Adam, Eve cried out in grief,
as death revealed his ugly face to them.
It overwhelmed their mind with pain, because—for all of this—They themselves were here to blame. . .
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But what wonder, bliss and joy, a son was born, they called him Cain,
The company this little boy, cheered the parents as he grew, looking in his face to see him
Smile, warmed their heart while all the while to God were filled with gratefulness,
for this so precious gift to bless.
Then was Abel born and daughters too, now the family increased and grew
Causing Adam to expand the home for the siblings happily to roam. . .
And on Sabbath morning all to come to Eden’s glorious gate to worship
At the altar Adam did erect, to bring a lamb as offering from his herd the best select.
They lifted up their hands in praise, exalt the name of God the LORD,
And raised their voice with grateful words for all His mercy, blessings, keeping,
And with heartfelt prayer pleading for protection, guidance through the week
Till next Sabbath Him again to meet.
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But between the two brothers tension rose, as Cain watched Abel one day close,
For his offering to God had not been favoured, he brought just fruits and not a lamb
to honor the Creator.
His heart was void to need a Saviour, forgiveness for his sins, he felt no guilt, and yet
With anger he was filled, when Abel’s sacrifice had been accepted and his own rejected.
So came the day while in the field, Cain did till the ground, Abel tending sheep,
That rage came over Cain, his love was over for the other, thus arose and slew
His brother. . .
God spoke to Cain (Genesis 4:9–14), felt no remorse, he left and fled, became the source
Of generations warring against God, who trusted self, made their own gods. . .
The grief of Adam, Eve—who is able to perceive? . . .
Beholding Abel dead now at their feet, their heartbeat almost stopped in disbelief!
And Cain now gone—off to the land of Nod, bereaved of both, the parent’s tears and sorrow
Even grew, because it dawned on them what sin does do, waves of evil, horror, death,
And as time goes on what pain of heart must yet be met?
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Then Seth was born (Genesis 4:25) of stature noble* meek and pious nature.
He and his descendants called on God (Genesis 4:26), kept His commandments, loved and
Worshiped the Creator, looking forward for the Promised One to come.
This gave Adam, Eve, great solace to their heart, a balm amidst some vexing times,
Disturbing news of evil deeds, as man on earth increased.
They longed for peace, tranquility, the joy they had in Eden, but now this had been hidden,
Because transgression caused this lot of being separate from God.
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When at long last they closed their eyes to rest, until the day when Christ returns,
To call them forth and hear His voice, the ultimate of bliss is theirs,
And all of them who kept His word, His faith, shall come up from dusty graves,
With the translated living saints be lifted in eternal youth to meet Jesus in the air.
Then Christ embraces Adam once again, with what longing He does wait for this—what
Suffering and grief and pain lay in between these days—eons of separation!
With His own sacrifice to reconcile the fallen race to bring salvation,
Christ with His blood bought back His own creation Adam—man—
To be with all redeemed the King of glory in a new created earth,
Where love will reign in every heart, eternal peace their part,
and Eden lost will be restored. . . .
Edda Tedford, Canada