Passage
Genesis 4:16-26 (ESV)
God Accepts Those Who Fear Him
Acts 10:17-35
Key Verse: 10:34
Life Away from God's Presence
Date: Jan. 12, 2015
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 4:26b
First, away from the LORD's presence (16-24). Cain went out from the LORD's presence. He tried to do his best without God. Because of God's curse (12), he changed his environment from agrarian to urban. He started a family. He built up a city. His descendants included cattle farmers, musicians and tool makers. Cain tried to soothe the restlessness of his heart with a change in lifestyle and direction. However, he could not change the unresolved sin in his heart and his broken relationship with God. This resulted in a legacy of bigamy, violence and murder as seen in Lamech.
Second, calling on the LORD (25-26). Adam and Eve must have been heartbroken at what had happened to Cain and Abel. But God comforted them by granting them another son, Seth. God would shape a different history through Seth's line. Cain and his descendants made the world seem dark and hopeless. But people began to call on the name of the LORD (26b). They realized that they needed God.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for not casting us from your presence. We call upon you today for mercy in our dark world.
One Word: Call on the name of the Lord
