August 16, 2024
Cain and Abel -- Part 5
Genesis 4:11-15
08/16/2024
11 ``And now you are cursed from the ground, which
has opened its mouth to receive your brother's
blood from your hand.
12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield
to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a
wanderer on the earth.''
13 Cain said to the LORD, ``My punishment is greater
than I can bear.
14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the
ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I
shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth,
and whoever finds me will kill me.''
15 Then the LORD said to him, ``Not so! If anyone
kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him
sevenfold.'' And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest
any who found him should attack him. (ESV)
``And now you are cursed from the ground, which has
opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from
your hand. When you work the ground, it shall no
longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a
fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.'' Cain said to
the LORD, ``My punishment is greater than I can bear.
Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground,
and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a
fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds
me will kill me.'' Then the LORD said to him, ``Not
so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on
him sevenfold.'' And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest
any who found him should attack him.
The story of Cain and Abel ends, not with everlasting
punishment, but God's rich grace, love, and mercy. Cain deserved
death. Cain received a lesser punishment, but was given the
assurance of God's love and protection.
We suffer the consequence of our sin, but that does not take
away God's mercy. Rather, our heavenly Father sent His Son to
bear the price of our sin, to suffer and die to bear our guilt.
In rising from the dead, Jesus showed His victory over sin,
death, and the devil. He gives us His righteousness, the
complete pardon of our sins. We therefore fear, love, and trust
in God above all things.
Please join us at Trinity Lutheran Church at 9:00 a.m. on
Sunday to hear more about God's grace, love, and mercy. May our
Lord grant you faith that trusts in Him, which receives from Him
pardon and peace. Amen.