In the beginning…13. Palace and Eden

Palace

Meanwhile, Lucifer had just made his hurried entrance into the front of the palace. He was red-faced and out of breath as he mingled with his mob for several minutes. One glare from him hushed the lips and quelled the questioning stares of his comrades. Just before the curtain was about to rise and just after God had been seated, he ushered his friends quietly out a side door. No one seemed to notice; no one except that upstart holier-than-thou angel Michael. Lucifer vowed to settle that score tomorrow.

Eden

The overlook was deserted. With his companions staring wide-eyed, Lucifer bid them wait at the rail; then he hopped over it and floated to Earth gracefully. Upon landing on the dry surface in Eden, he made his way to the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil in the center of the garden.

To the amazement of his friends watching from above, Lucifer climbed the tree and sprawled on a large, lower branch. Immediately, he metamorphosized into the form of a snake. He had pointed out that strange-looking creature to his cohorts just after its creation on Day 6. He liked the look of its beady eyes; the shiny, dark skin; and the way it slithered as it moved with tail twitching constantly. What he appreciated most, though, was that little forked tongue that repeatedly and rapidly darted in and out of its mouth. It seemed the perfect creature for his purposes.

With the foundation for a life-changing event well laid, Lucifer settled down to pass the time. He didn’t have long to wait. The mesmerized pack watched from heaven as the man and woman approached the tree in which their leader was perched. The couple strolled leisurely, hand in hand, conversing calmly as they came.

“Isn’t this a beautiful area of Eden?” Eve admired.

“Yes, it is, “replied Adam. “With these two special trees in close proximity, it’s my favorite place. I feel really peaceful and near to God here.”

“When can we expect to see the Father again?” Eve asked. “I want to thank him for making this beautiful garden.”

“I don’t know, Eve. I want to thank him, too; especially for making a beautiful wife for me.” Adam reached toward the woman, pulled her close, and kissed her; they embraced with their hug lasting beyond a few seconds.

Eve broke the silence first, “I want to plant flowers around the Tree of Life and the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. All colors and kinds so that this area is by far the most attractive in all of Eden,” she paused before continuing. “Adam?”

“Yes, Eve?” he responded as they persisted in surveying all the loveliness around them.

“Adam, why do these two trees have special names? I know we have names for some of our favorite animals; you know, the ones with which we play all the time. But none of the other trees or plants have names like that, and I was just wondering why.”

Adam tried to explain, “It’s as I told you before, Eve. God planted this garden himself and put these two special trees in the center. He even told me never to eat of the fruit of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil for, as he said, ‘In the day you eat of it you shall surely die.’ That’s all I know. I’m not really sure what the Tree of Life is all about. I do know it’s all very serene and lovely. You’re lovely, too, Eve.”

Adam tried to kiss his wife again, but she pulled away gently, “Oh, Adam, do you have to be so affectionate all the time.”

“What’s wrong with that? Don’t you like it?” Adam beseeched her.

“Sure, but a girl’s gotta breathe. Let’s look at these trees up close,” Eve walked toward the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, while Adam turned to the side and let his eyes wander through the branches of the Tree of Life nearby. The couple drifted apart.

As Eve reached out to touch the trunk of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, a voice startled her, “Hello, Eve.” For a moment she thought it seemed to come from the tree itself. Then she saw the serpent lying on the large branch. Her first inclination was to call for Adam immediately; but her curiosity silenced her tongue and she stepped closer.

[to be continued]