Scripture - Gen 4:13-15 And Cain said to the Lord "My punishment is greater than I can bear! Surely You have driven me out this day from the face of the ground; I shall be hidden from Your face; I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond on the earth, and it will happen that anyone who finds me will kill me." And the Lord said to him, "Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold." And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.
Observation - Cain had brought a disrespectful offering to the Lord. In essence he sinned before God, then murdered his brother because of the jealousy in his heart. Cain was full of anger and bitterness and disrespect and the Lord punished him. Yet at Cain's response to the severity of the punishment, God placed an mark on him signifying his protection from the Lord. In his unrepentant state God still loved Cain enough to protect him. God looked at his creation with love and compassion and would not allow anyone to take vengeance on Cain. God's punishment is sufficient - the world does not get to take vengeance on God's creation. God appoints the time to die and the time to live.
Application - So many times we look at people with disdain or disgust or even frustration because of their actions. We don't understand how they could live a life apart from God even denying his very existence. In society today, God is in question! His existence is being challenged almost daily, his purity and principles are in question daily. From same sex marriage to premarital sex to drug and alcohol addiction. Yet God has such love for his creation that He has marked them for protection. God has placed a mark on His people and "would that none should perish but come to repentance". God's everlasting love is for His creation. It's time to see His people through His eyes.
Prayer - Father as we make it through 2011 and beyond, help us to see your creation and the love you have for us, sinner and saint. God we love you and ask for your direction as we put together outreach, evangelism and events that attract your creation to your church and ultimately to you.
