Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Lord contrasts ungodly line of Cain with godly line of Seth. About 1600 years later, the third great event of history — the flood in Noah's day.
Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the Lord had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering He had not respect. And Cain was very wroth (angry) (4:3-5).
God was not satisfied with Cain's worship or that of anyone else who does not accept His Word: Without shedding of blood is no remission (Heb. 9:22; Lev. 17:11). Since God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34), both brothers would have known that only a blood sacrifice was acceptable for worship. In Cain's worship he presented the product of his own achievement to satisfy his own ego. Cain's jealousy and anger toward his brother revealed his rebellious attitude and sinful nature.
There are only two types of worshipers. Some, like Cain, refuse to believe that: Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:9), and are not willing to admit their sinfulness and refuse to bring a blood offering that atones for sin. It is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul (Lev. 17:11). Without shedding of blood is no remission. Other worshipers, like Abel, recognize their sinful nature and bring an offering to atone for sin.
After Adam and Eve sinned, their fellowship with God no longer existed. The voice of Jehovah, which they once loved to hear, caused them to fear, and they hid themselves from His presence. Cain represents the natural man who has gone out from the presence of the Lord (Gen. 4:16). He went to the land of Nod, where he builded a city (4:17). This is the natural response of a man who has forsaken God. As "civilization" grew, "corruption" also increased, and the earth was filled with violence (6:11). See also Nimrod and those with him who built Babel (10:8-10; 11:1-9).
Abel became the first martyr, but this did not end the line of faith, for God . . . appointed . . . another seed (Seth) instead of Abel. . . . And to Seth . . . was born . . . Enos: then began men to call upon the Name of the Lord (4:25-26).
Although Seth's descendents lived in the same age when God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth (6:5), we are told that Enoch walked with God (5:22,24).
By faith Enoch was translated (taken by God) that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God (Heb. 11:5).
Thought for Today:
Attempting to allow Christ to be Lord of our lives without being obedient to His Word is futile (Luke 6:46).
Christ Revealed:
Man's best achievements can never take the place of Christ's death on the cross, which cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).
Word Studies:
4:1 knew =ad intercourse with; 4:4 had respect =pproved; 4:6 fallen =nger, resentful; 4:15 a mark = sign of protection; 4:18 begat =athered; 4:22 artificer =etal craftsman; 4:23 to my wounding =or wounding me; 5:22 walked with =elieved in and was obedient to; 6:2 sons =ollowers of God; daughters of men =orldly women; 6:6 repented =rieved; 6:8 grace =he Lord's favor; 6:9 perfect =lameless; 6:15 cubits =bout 18 inches; 6:16 to =or; 6:18 My Covenant =inding agreement with qualifications given by God.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka Broadcasts sponsored by Wallace Mickens • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Rep. Dennis Hastert (IL) • Country: St. Vincent and The Grenadines (120,000) in the Lesser Antilles of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and French patois • Religious freedom • 50% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 2% spiritist • Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Prov. 28:9).
Optional Reading: Matthew 2
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:28