January 2, 2024 - Genesis 4-5

“Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, ‘I have gotten a man with the help of the Lord.’  And again, she bore his brother Abel.  Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground” (4:1-2).  We might almost call this a new beginning though it really was just a continuation from the first three chapters.  Death had now entered the world but God had promised a Redeemer and, now, there is new birth.  The line of Adam and Eve will continue!  But I was thinking about all this and thought, “Only those beginnings that continue end well.  Bill Thompson has written a book with the subtitle “Beginnings Are for Those Who Want to Continue.”  Well, our story continues, but the immediate incidents are anything but hopeful.  Out of jealousy, Cain murders his brother, Abel, and then lies to his parents.  Lamech boasts about killing a man.   And, then, there are the days of Noah and all that they brought.  The picture is not promising.  But we need to remind ourselves and find ourselves going back time and again to Genesis 3:15 and the promise of a Redeemer.  Our God, being so gracious and merciful, does not leave us to face all the consequences of our sin but he sends One to save us from our sin.  Every single day, we should rehearse this truth, give thanks, and find the most wonderful comfort and joy, which the world cannot offer.  Jesus says to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.  Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid” (John 14:27).

Love divine, all loves excelling,

joy of heav’n to earth come down,

fix in us Thy humble dwelling;

all Thy faithful mercies crown!

Jesus, Thou art all compassion,

pure, unbounded love Thou art;

visit us with Thy salvation;

enter every trembling heart.   --Charles Wesley (1747)