Jan 2: Genesis 4-7

Jan 2: Gen 4-7

Chapter 4 reveals how Adam and Eve’s decisions have directly impacted the world and all that is in it. We learn about another famous story, that of Cain and Abel. They were bringing their offerings to the Lord and Abel brought his best and it was acceptable to God (see also Hebrews 11:4) and Cain's was not. In modern day language, Abel’s heart was for the Lord and it showed in his faith and service, whereas Cain was going through the motions and although his gift was just as good, God did not accept it, because God can see the heart. And who do we think we are kidding? Is God fooled if we just pretend? I think not. Moving on, because sin mastered Cain, he killed his brother out of jealousy. God put Cain on trial and found him guilty, so he was sent away from the Lord (like his parents) after the Lord put a mark on him to protect him and set him apart as a murderer. He then started a family and the seven generations are recalled. We are told of one of Cain’s descendants that is a polygamist and a murderer, just like his Great-Grandpa. But not everything was hopeless, there was also a generational line that did not forget God and began to call upon Him again.

Chapter 5 gives us an account of Noah’s lineage, starting with Adam. I find it crazy that people used to live up to 900 years of age but it is true. Originally, man was never created to die. Notice the progression of the lifespans after the disobedience of Adam to God. Adam lives over 900 years and Terah (Abrahams Dad - Genesis 11:26) lives to 205. The ramifications of sin has shortened mans life on the earth and it gets even shorter after chapter 6.

Chapter 6 shows us the ample iniquity, or sin, of man. Because of the immorality of humans, which was deplorable to God, therefore God decided to shorten mans lives. Then we read about the Nephilim, or giants, in the land that were actual powerful men that did sinful acts and contributed to the violence of the earth. The Lord saw that the hearts of men just wanted to sin continually and it grieved God, at His heart. God hates, He detests sin, so much so that now He wanted to blot them off the face of the earth. And then comes the but… But, Noah found favor, or grace, in the sight of the Lord, and God spoke to Noah about His plans to destroy what He had created. God told Noah to make a huge boat, an ark, approximately 95,000 square feet (picture a Costco building…). I am sure we have all heard the story of the ark told, but look at the set of blueprints that God gives to Noah! Most likely, Noah was not an expert builder of boats, but God was more concerned about Noah’s righteousness over his physical abilities. This goes for us too - there is no limits for those in God as to what He can accomplish. And Noah obeyed God’s commands. Even when God makes no sense to us in what He calls us to do - we must obey, no matter how crazy it is (unless it goes against His Word, and then it isn't God speaking to you!). 

Chapter 7 - God tells Noah to get in the boat and bring his family, animals, and food - God is planning on repopulating… and Noah did all that the Lord commanded him, and God shut the door. It rained for 40 days straight (and you thought it rained a lot in the Northwest) and flooded all the earth, killing all people and animals. Funny, how we have all heard the story of the flood, but when we understand that it was brought on by mans love for sin against a Holy God, and the consequences of it, it makes me wonder how this story got glamorized! Regardless, God did blot out everything that breathes, except for Noah and his family.

To sum it all up:

• God knows our heart and our motives - we cannot ‘fool’ God. If we are just pretending to be Christians, we are only fooling ourselves. 
• Our sins have consequences, real ones. But, lest we forget, God offers Grace and Forgiveness to those that seek it, no matter what we have done. I didn't talk about it above, but God did give Cain a chance to repent, to turn 180 degrees from sin and run the other way, and he did not… and we see how that worked out for him.
• Even when it makes no sense, obey God with all your heart.