We begin by being introduced to our enemy, Satan. But as satan is still able to, he uses God's own creation against him. The serpent is not evil (contrary to some people's fears of snakes). However, the devil is shrewd and he tempts Adam and Eve by using the animal they themselves would have named! The dialogue between Eve and the devil to me seems to sound all too familiar. Doesn't it remind you of the conversation in your head when you are being tempted to sin? You hear the little voice saying to you about your favorite sin, "You know you would love to do this..." Then you begin to debate, "No, I can't!" Then the questioning begins, "But it wouldn't hurt anyone will it? No one has to know..." Until before you know, you find yourself in shame because you have done the one thing you knew you shouldn't be doing. And then, do we do as Adam did? He began to blame Eve for she was the one who was tempted. Then he blamed God for creating Eve in the first place. Nevertheless, he never took the responsibility for his own actions. And as we see in Genesis 3:16-17, there are serious consequences to sin. God loves us, but he also hates sin. And sin must be punished. Can you recall ways your sin has brought about consequences that you have had to deal with? Was the sin really worth it in the long run?
Chapter 4 introduces to us Adam And Eve's first children, Cain and Abel. The children learned early on in life that giving an offering to God was very important. How are you training your children to give offerings to God? As Abel offers his offering of meat and Abel offers his offering of grain, God accepts Abel's but not Cain's. We don't understand such a rejection do we? Although the details are not presented completely, we must assume that God has given some sort of instructions on giving to Him. Perhaps Cain gave with the wrong motive? Perhaps Cain had sinned in his heart when he gave for in 4:7, God told Cain that "sin is waiting at your door waiting to attack and destroy you." This is the posture of sin in our lives, it is always lurking for the attack! We too must be careful. Whatever the reason, God rejects Cain's offering and this drives Cain to sin-murder.
Psalm 2
This Psalm has two meanings. First, it was written by King David who ruled Israel for nearly 40 years as one of the most God-fearing Kings Israel had ever seen. This Psalm reflects upon David's coming to power. Secondly, it reflects on Christ's coming to power in heaven as God's Son. It is what we call a Messianic Psalm. This means it is written as a prophecy looking forward to the coming Messiah. As the nations rage and the non-believing kings of the earth plot for more power, God laughs because he knows he is truly in control and truly all-powerful. Since we know that today, heed the warning in verse 12--"Submit to God's son...what joy for all people who find protection in him!"
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