Genesis 4:8-12

Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

 

Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?”

 

He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground.

 

“Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand.

 

“When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.”

 

 

I wonder if Adam pulled Cain to the side at any point and said, "Hey, son.  Let me explain this whole sin thing.  It has bad consequences, you really want to continue to walk with God."  I wonder if Adam shook his head back and forth at Cain for trying to hide his sin much like his father had done.  I guess some kids really have to figure things out for themselves.

 

God is not soft on sin.  He is ready immediately to punish this sin. 

 

Being a child of grace, so to speak, I must remember that sin requires a consequence.  It requires payment.  The wages of sin is really death.  I soaked up the idea of grace very early, so sometimes I don't quite let the actual penalty for my sin sink fully into my mind.   I was more than 20 before I had a full on "smack in the face" understanding of grace.  Without God's grace, Jesus' sacrifice, there is nothing but condemnation, nothing but tough consequences for our sins.

 

That is all for tonight folks.

 

Lord, thank You for Your word.  Thank You for grace.  The more I read about the law, the more I am relieved that You have written Your law on my heart and have entered a new convenant with me.  Thank You Lord for allowing me to be raised being taught of Your ways.  Thank You making a way when there was no other way.   Please help me to see people through Your eyes and show them Your love. 

 

In Jesus Name

Amen