Toads and Apples

Bible Reading: Genesis 3:1–6

“Dad!” Declan called from upstairs. “Will you settle an argument for us?”

“I’ll help if I can,” Dad called back. “What’s the problem?”

Declan and his brother Grady came thumping down the stairs. “Well, Grady thinks toads have smooth skin and frogs have lumpy skin, but I think it’s the other way around—frogs are smooth, toads are lumpy.”

“Let’s look online and see what we can find out,” suggested Dad, taking out his phone.

“Oh yeah! Good idea, Dad,” said Grady. It wasn’t long before Grady admitted his mistake. “Declan, you were right after all. Frogs are slick and toads are warty!”

Declan grinned. “I toad you I was right!”

The next day, the boys had another question. “We saw a movie about when Adam and Eve disobeyed God,” Declan said. “It showed them eating an apple. Grady says nobody really knows what kind of fruit they ate—but it was an apple, wasn’t it, Dad?”

Dad smiled. “Let’s look it up and find out.”

“On your phone?” asked Grady.

“No,” said Dad. “The best place to find information about the Bible is the Bible.” He took a Bible, opened it, and held it out to Declan. “Here—read these verses in Genesis.”

Declan took the Bible and read the verses Dad had pointed out. “Well,” said Declan, “I guess you’re right this time, Grady. These verses don’t say the fruit was an apple.”

“I toad you so.” This time Grady did the teasing.

“Yeah, but it sure looked like an apple in the movie,” said Declan, “and in other pictures I’ve seen too.”

“Bible stories aren’t always presented correctly in movies or in books,” said Dad. “In this case, it doesn’t really matter what the fruit was. But if you’re not sure about something you hear or read, you should always get out your Bible and check for yourself. Try to read at least a few verses on your own every day, and ask Jesus to help you understand what He says in His Word. That’s the best way to learn God’s truths and always have them with you.” •Janice M. Jones

How About You?

Do you assume that movies and books about the Bible are correct? People who write them often change the stories to add drama. It’s always good to check what you see and hear with what God says in His Word. Don’t believe everything you hear about the Bible. Read it for yourself, and trust Jesus to help you understand the truth of His Word.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 33:4 The word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

For truth, check the Bible