Accept the life ring — Scripture Reflection #069

Genesis 4:13-15 (New Living Translation)

13 Cain replied to the LORD, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! 14 You have banished me from the land and from Your presence; You have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!” 
15 The LORD replied, “No, for I will give a sevenfold punishment to anyone who kills you.” Then the LORD put a mark on Cain to warn anyone who might try to kill him.

Isn’t it crazy, and perhaps a little inconceivable, to consider how God protected us even when we were farthest from Him? I mean, when we were chest-deep in sin, close to drowning ourselves, and not looking for a way out, God still chose to guard us and keep us from eternal damnation. What a wonderful God we serve!

Here, we find Cain being punished for the murder of his younger brother, Abel. Because of this colossal mess-up, he must pay the price–God cursed him to never again receive good crops from the ground he worked, and he would wander the earth aimlessly. What a fall for the firstborn of the first man! Despite this punishment, however, Cain still receives God’s protection through the mark God placed on Him, which preserved him against people who would potentially do him harm. He would eventually go on to have children and found a city.

Cain’s story is a great reminder of God’s love and protection for us. And I am sure that you and I can relate in many ways. For even while we were still sinners, God loved us and sent His son to die for us (Romans 5:8). He wants us not to take advantage of this love and grace, but instead to accept the life ring He throws us, get out of our sin, and walk in fellowship with Him.

The Call: Take a moment to praise God for His goodness, faithfulness, and love when you were farthest from Him.