January 2, 2022 - Genesis 4-10

The story begins to unfold. Cain killed his brother, Abel, and the Lord caused him to be cursed. Cain cried out to the Lord, and the Lord not only protected him but gave him children. Adam and Eve had another son, Seth, and “At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord” (4:26).

Nevertheless, “the earth was corrupt in God's sight, and the earth was filled with violence” (6:11). God determined that he would destroy corrupt humanity but to Noah, he said, “I will establish my covenant with you” (6:18). God judged the world by the flood and, after, “Noah built an altar to the Lord” (8:20), worshipped, and offered a sacrifice, “and God blessed Noah” (9:1).

See a pattern here? A pattern that has repeated itself throughout human history? For us there is, here, a warning against sinning. To sin against our Creator brings judgment. But, also, what encouragement to repent of sin and ask for forgiveness! God is always forgiving and blessing those who truly repent and who look to him.

O God, our help in ages past,

our hope for years to come,

our shelter from the stormy blast,

and our eternal home:

Under the shadow of your throne

your saints have dwelt secure;

sufficient is your arm alone,

and our defense is sure. –Isaac Watts (1719)