QUESTION

Did God…?

Not YHWH, God of covenant, nearness, and word.
But Elohim, power and might.
Humanity had known His power
clothed in beauty, kindness, presence.
The serpent had felt Almighty and imagined only force.

Did God actually say…?

A question. Not the kind that kneels and learns,
but one that smothers affection and strangles trust.
YHWH Elohim binds Himself by word.

You shall not
(not a question now)
eat from any tree?

Was this truly what Elohim said?
God of power, limit, clenched command. No. No! But, perhaps.
Say it again, slower. Ask me more. Tell me more.
Eat from the tree in the center, and die.
But life is center. Promise is center. YHWH Elohim is center.
And He is Good.

Tell
(a whisper)
me
(it already feels forbidden)
more.

God chooses Himself. Why should you not choose you?
You were always meant for more.
Eyes will be opened.
Like Elohim, all humanity will know.

It sounds reasonable. It looks beautiful.
Food to taste. Delight to see. Wisdom to possess.
More than Elohim has given.
But should I?

What does one do with desire that feels like truth
before it is tested?