David Bahn – Reflections

This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. ² Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man^[a] when they were created.³ When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. ⁴ The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years; and he had other sons and daughters. ⁵ Thus all the days that Adam lived were 930 years, and he died. – Genesis 5:1-5 (cf, also Genesis 5:8, 11, 14, 17, 20,27,31)

We’ve taken a brief celebration trip in honor of Diane’s retirement (March 31, 2021), and celebrated Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Easter Sunday in churches here in Fredericksburg. We were able to connect with friends and my former colleague, Pastor Clint Pluenneke since he serves at Holy Ghost Lutheran Church (Fredericksburg) and St. Paul Lutheran Church (Cave Creek).

The experience at St. Paul – a small white frame country church – was delightful: not only because of connecting with our friend, but also because of the strong message he shared. He reminded us that Easter is good news because it shows Jesus is with us…

• In history (This really happened);
• In the word and sacraments (Jesus’ real presence in the body and blood of the Lord’s Supper);
• In the community of believers (Jesus is present where two or three are gathered in his name); and
• In the very end (when we go to Jesus or he comes back to earth). 

Amen, brother Clint! Amen. 

We still miss our dear friends and brothers and sisters in Christ at St. John, and we rejoice in the Gospel message that continues to be preached there. Thank God for the Good News of Jesus’ resurrection that binds us together across time and miles. 

That news is so important and good because of the facts of death that are paraded before our eyes in Genesis 5. God warned Adam and Eve that if they ate the forbidden fruit they would surely die (Genesis 2:17). Now in Genesis 5 runs the refrain that underlines this warning: “…and he died.” With only one exception (Enoch) every one mentioned in this chapter dies. 

We live under that same curse to this day. One day we will die – unless Jesus comes back to earth first. Jesus’ death removed the curse of sin and death. His resurrection opens the door of eternity to us. Death no longer has the eternal sting. Life is Jesus’ promise to all who believe in him. So while we must talk of the facts of death, we may also look with confidence toward the promise of eternal life through him.

Jesus Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!

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When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. ² And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. ³ And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?” ⁴ And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.⁵ And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.⁶ And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him. ⁷ But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going before you to Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.” ⁸ And they went out and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had seized them, and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid. – Mark 16:1-8

I read an interesting op-ed in the New York Times yesterday. By Essau McCaulley, one of the comments he made relates specifically to this passage from Mark’s gospel. He says, “Easter is a frightening prospect.” it was for the women who made their way to the tomb that first day of the week. They were so unprepared for the empty tomb and the absence of Jesus’ body that they went away filled with fear, and told no one.

You might be ready to dismiss this idea of only a fearful celebration of Jesus’ resurrection. And with good cause: Jesus’ resurrection is incredibly good news. It means he was vindicated in his faith in God and his life of perfect obedience and love. It means our sins have been forgiven. It means he lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

This is cause not only for fear, but our love and trust in him as well. Let’s let Eater do its part to help with all three of those. I hope you will be one of those who gathers with others in public worship this Easter, with a healthy fear, love, and trust in the God who has saved us by Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. 

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At that time, people began to call on the name of the Lord. – Genesis 4:26

On the day Jesus died, we have at least three prayers of Jesus recorded. They were not only deeply fervent and earnest, but powerful and revelatory of Jesus’ identity and true character. He prayed, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they are doing.” This is a remarkable prayer for it reveals the character of Jesus: loving, merciful, gracious, and forgiving. It also reveals something about us poor sinners. We do not know what we are doing. 

Imagine the thoughts of the Romans soldiers, the Jewish leaders, and Pilate. Of course we know what we’re doing! We’ve done this hundreds of times. We know how to take care of the likes of you, Jesus of Nazareth! Oh that is so sad. They had no clue. Too often we fall into that same trap. We think we know what we’re doing, but we have no clue of how we offend God, hurt our neighbor and even harm ourselves. Jesus prayed that prayer not only for the soldiers and Jewish leaders, he prayed it for you and for me. We all need his forgiveness, and Jesus prayed to the Father for us to have it. 

As he breathed his last Jesus prayed, Father, into your hands I commit my spirit. With those words Jesus died, having finished his work on our behalf. He had redeemed us. He had atoned for our sins. He had suffered in our place. His time had come to return to the Father. And he committed himself once again to his Father’s loving care.

That last prayer is made more profound by the 2nd of Jesus’ prayers: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” The final prayer is made more profound by means of this most profound prayer of all. For Jesus is hanging on the cross, betrayed and abandoned by man, and forsaken by God. He is all alone. Totally by himself. Without anyone at his side. Solo. Solitary. Unattended. His Father had forsaken him. Yet note this: He calls out, “My God, my God…” He has not abandoned God. He has not lost faith. He still looks to his heavenly Father in the face of the hell he was enduring on the cross. 

And because he did that, he has redeemed us of little faith. He has provided a way of faith that is stronger and more certain than our feeble trust. He has kept faith for us, for we all too easily and quickly lose our faith.

Jesus prayed these prayers for you and me. And God has heard him. We are saved. Now our prayers can be prayers of praise and God. For the very bad day of life for Jesus is truly a good day for us sinners. Thanks be to God. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord. – Genesis 4:26

If you’re like me, you’ve prayed for friends fighting Covid-19. You’ve prayed for people who have abandoned the faith. You’ve prayed for your church’s ministries. You’ve prayed for peace. You’ve prayed for people you know and for those you don’t know. Sometimes you see God’s obvious answers. Often you live by faith that God hears and is answering your prayers – even when you don’t see the answers. 

People say there is power in prayer. On the one hand I think I understand the statement. On the other hand, I don’t like to use that phrase. That’s not because I disbelieve in God’s power and promises to answer our prayers. Nor is it because not every prayer I’ve prayed is answered by God in the outward and obvious manner I’ve asked. It’s because prayer in and of itself has no power apart from the name of the Lord. 

The comment at the end of Genesis 4 about people beginning to call on the name of the Lord is a reference to public prayer. Gathering with others in the name of the LORD is visible testimony of God’s work in the life of a believer. And whether trauma or threat, or joy or blessing move us to reach out to God, it is only his openness and grace to us that makes it possible for us to do so. Praying apart from the God of the Bible is futile religiosity. 

Certainly it is better that we should gather to worship and praise God for his grace and goodness to us than to be driven to God by hard times and challenging situations. But in either case, God’s goodness, love, power and sovereignty – not our prayers – make our worship and prayer effectual. Prayer and worship in the name of Jesus is powerful because of Jesus, not because of our prayer’s excellence or even our fervency. 

I am struck by the contrast between the ruthless arrogance of Lamech, and the simple report of people gathering in the LORD’s name to worship and prayer. Bullies may have their way for a time. But the one who prays in the name of Jesus will be vindicated in the end. 

This seems especially appropriate for us to consider on Maundy Thursday. The powers of the world will align against Jesus and his disciples over these next two days. But the One will be vindicated who prayed, “Father, if it is possible, let this cup be removed from me. Nevertheless, not my will but your will be done.” He will be betrayed into the hands of sinners, but will pray for those who do not know what they are doing. And his prayer will be heard. 

Jesus’ example is a powerful reminder of the faithfulness of God. When we connect our prayers to him, we will discover the ultimate power of prayer – whether we see its answer here and now, or even in eternity. 

Lord Jesus, hear our prayer! We are calling on your Name. 

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Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. ¹⁸ To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. ¹⁹ And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. ²⁰ Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. ²¹ His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe.²² Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

²³ Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
I have killed a man for wounding me,
a young man for striking me.
²⁴ If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold,
then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.”

²⁵ And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” ²⁶ To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord. – Genesis 4:17-26

When Seth grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. At that time people first began to call upon the name of the Lord. – Genesis 4:26

Don’t be too quick to dismiss this question with an easy answer: “Never.” That is the correct answer to be sure. But it’s not the whole answer. 

I had breakfast with some photo club friends the other morning. We had a great time talking about photography, philosophy, and life. We even scurried into and out of the areas of politics and religion! And we still went away friends. 

But there was a moment early in our conversation that was a bit awkward. “Can I say a prayer?” I asked. “Sure,” came the not totally-hesitant reply. Just a heartbeat of pause. Just a quick glance of discomfort or surprise.

Our photo club used to meet in person and afterwards we would go out to a local Mexican restaurant. It was a good after the meeting meeting with good natured ribbing, sincere complements, inquisitive probing, and technical talk; maybe even some equipment posturing from the Nikonians and Canonites, Pentaxians, Fujians, and Sonyites (Please excuse me if I didn’t mention your favorite brand!). At the dinner, I would silently and as unobtrusively as possible bow my head and offer a prayer of thanks for the food. Some noticed. None made a comment. 

But never had I asked in the group if I could pray. Out loud. At the table. With others. But last week I did. And there was no problem with it. They were quiet and respectful. Our conversation went on from there. I took with me two books one of them had put together, one of which was heavily populated with religious themed photos. Photos of crucifixes, churches, altars, and statuary populated the pages of the book. 

At the end of the account of the downward spiral of sin’s impact in Genesis 4, we have the observation: At that time people first began to call upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 4:26). It seems the impetus for this was the growing impact of sin and evil. Faithlessness, distrust, and arrogant ruthlessness were all becoming more evident. The people of God recognized their need for his help. So they called on his name.

The phrase, “call on the name of the Lord” refers to worship of God. It also refers to prayer. For prayer is the centerpiece of worship. Prayer is faith and trust in action. Prayer is the marriage of humility and hope. And prayer is always appropriate. In times of favor we say “May the name of the Lord be praised.” In times of distress we say, “Lord, have mercy!” And do not lose sight of the name we attach to our prayers. LORD in the Old Testament almost always refers to the sacred holy name of God: YAWH. We don’t just pray to the “Great architect of the Universe,” the “higher power” of our choosing, or the generic god of no particular sect. We pray to the LORD. And the New Testament writers equate that sacred name to Jesus. 

So when should we not pray? When we cannot pray in Jesus’ name. Lord, Jesus, teach us so to pray! Amen.

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Cain had sexual relations with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain founded a city, which he named Enoch, after his son.¹⁸ Enoch had a son named Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.

¹⁹ Lamech married two women. The first was named Adah, and the second was Zillah.²⁰ Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the first of those who raise livestock and live in tents. ²¹ His brother’s name was Jubal, the first of all who play the harp and flute.²² Lamech’s other wife, Zillah, gave birth to a son named Tubal-cain. He became an expert in forging tools of bronze and iron. Tubal-cain had a sister named Naamah.²³ One day Lamech said to his wives,

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
    listen to me, you wives of Lamech.
I have killed a man who attacked me,
    a young man who wounded me.
²⁴ If someone who kills Cain is punished seven times,
    then the one who kills me will be punished seventy-seven times!”

²⁵ Adam had sexual relations with his wife again, and she gave birth to another son. She named him Seth,^[g] for she said, “God has granted me another son in place of Abel, whom Cain killed.” ²⁶ When Seth grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. At that time people first began to worship the Lord by name. – Genesis 4:17-26

One day Lamech said to his wives,

He was a bully. Intimidating. Threatening. Large and in charge. At least it appeared so in my Boy Scout troop. He was a patrol leader and I was barely a tenderfoot. He seemed so self-assured. He was also stronger than I, and much more mature. I think he got a kick out of ordering me and some of the others around. 

Then there is the man who sat in my office admitting that he was going to leave his wife for no good reason, looked me straight in the eye and said, “I know it’s wrong, but that’s what I’m, doing.” I’m not even sure why he felt the need to tell me, but I am sure that kind of arrogant ruthlessness has no place in the heart of a believer.

But he’s nothing compared with the big-swath cutting folks who make their way through life by threat and intimidation with no holds barred. I think of dictators, corrupt politicians, pushy lawyers, and even some church leaders. And while I’m sure there are times when I pull rank, I cannot get through my mind the idea of pushing as hard as Lamech does when he brags about killing a man and threatens his two wives in the process. 

I wonder whether whether it was one of these women’s husband, brother, or father that he murdered. The implication of this bit of Hebrew poetry is that whoever it was simply got in his way and he got him out of the way eternally. And he brags about it!

I don’t know why this is so difficult to comprehend. Evil people do evil things. And the makings of spy novels and thriller movies are not sourced solely from imaginary scenarios. Art imitates life. And the murders, brutal treatment of one human being by another is very real. Ask anyone who has been in a fight. Better yet ask anyone who has seen the consequences of his brutal treatment of others and now lives with a broken heart and contrite spirit. He’ll tell you, the wages of sin are high and far-reaching. 

Have we come to the point that we’ve simply numbed ourselves to the crass behavior of others? Are we simply willing to put up with crass behavior and evil? Or are we blind to our own duplicity in these things? Are we intimidated by the arrogant bullies and ruthless tyrants who have their way in the world around us?

I wish I were not as easily cowered as I am. I wish I had learned to stand up to the bullies and blusterers who not only got away with murder (figuratively-speaking!). I wish I was stronger and more resolute. Thankfully I can call on God, and seek his help in the face of these insults and threats. 

There are 7000 who have not bowed the knee to Baal, God tells Elisha. I think that’s a word for us today. As the world spins farther and farther away from God’s ways, we need to know that people continue to call on the name of the Lord. People do worship. People do pray. People do recognize God as the good source of every good gift and thing.

We may be a minority. We might be pushed aside. But God still reigns. And when we call on him, he hears. Lord, have mercy and hear our prayers! 

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Cain had sexual relations with his wife, and she became pregnant and gave birth to Enoch. Then Cain founded a city, which he named Enoch, after his son.¹⁸ Enoch had a son named Irad. Irad became the father of Mehujael. Mehujael became the father of Methushael. Methushael became the father of Lamech.

¹⁹ Lamech married two women. The first was named Adah, and the second was Zillah.²⁰ Adah gave birth to Jabal, who was the first of those who raise livestock and live in tents. ²¹ His brother’s name was Jubal, the first of all who play the harp and flute.²² Lamech’s other wife, Zillah, gave birth to a son named Tubal-cain. He became an expert in forging tools of bronze and iron. Tubal-cain had a sister named Naamah.²³ One day Lamech said to his wives,

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
    listen to me, you wives of Lamech.
I have killed a man who attacked me,
    a young man who wounded me.
²⁴ If someone who kills Cain is punished seven times,
    then the one who kills me will be punished seventy-seven times!”

²⁵ Adam had sexual relations with his wife again, and she gave birth to another son. She named him Seth,^[g] for she said, “God has granted me another son in place of Abel, whom Cain killed.” ²⁶ When Seth grew up, he had a son and named him Enosh. At that time people first began to worship the Lord by name. – Genesis 4:17-26

Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. ¹⁸ To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. ¹⁹ And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. ²⁰ Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. ²¹ His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. ²² Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

²³ Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
    you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
I have killed a man for wounding me,
    a young man for striking me.
²⁴ If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold,
    then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.”

²⁵ And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” ²⁶ To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the Lord. – Genesis 4:17-26

Maybe you’ve seen it yourself. Maybe you’ve lived it. A little nibble here of the forbidden fruit (take your pick). A small taste of the delights of this world. A larger drink from the cup of a more dangerous adventure. And soon you’ve got a real problem on your hands. Whether it’s addiction to alcohol, porn, or spending, little nibbles all too often become giant gulps. And we choke ourselves on the things we think we need to make us happy.

Adam and Eve sinned. Cain kills Abel. Now sin’s net widens its mouth and begins to swallow all of life. Cain, now banished from God’s presence, builds a city. Lamech has apparently murdered someone who looked at him the wrong way. He has two wives, a departure from God’s design for marriage: One man. One woman. The two become one…for life. 

We are seeing the results of sin being played out before our eyes. The depravity of sin and its impact are becoming more and more obvious in these verses. Bigamy, murder, and Cain’s apparent arrogant despising of God’s promise of protection unfold. Cain builds a city in defiance of God’s judgment that he would be a vagabond, and by seeking the shelter of a city, shows his rejection of God’s promise of protection by means of the mark God had given him. 

This is not the reign and rule of God. This is the cravings of sinful man. This is not faith. This is rebellion. This is not trust in God. This is reliance on self. There will be even more as life unfolds “east of Eden.” 

Yet there is a glimmer of faith and hope: people begin worshiping God. Calling on the name of the Lord. Praying to God. Seeking his help and perhaps thanking him for his favor and blessing. Most likely seeking protection and help in the face of sin’s creeping encroachment. There is talk of killing and retribution. There is warning. Most likely they are seeking God’s help. These are difficult times. And people – we do not know how many – begin calling on the name of the Lord.

I’m wondering if things need to get worse yet for God’s people to call on him in prayer, praise, and worship. Seems to me that things are bad enough now for us to rededicate ourselves to that holy practice. 

Here are some verses from Psalms 28; 58; 88; 118; and 148 for your personal meditation and prayer…

Psalm 28:1-2

To you, O Lord, I call;
    my rock, be not deaf to me,
lest, if you be silent to me,
    I become like those who go down to the pit.
² Hear the voice of my pleas for mercy,
    when I cry to you for help,
when I lift up my hands
    toward your most holy sanctuary.

Psalm 58:10-11

The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;
    he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.
¹¹ Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;
    surely there is a God who judges on earth.”

Psalm 88:15-18

[Note: Hear these words as though spoken by Jesus in his darkest hour, perhaps in the pit of the high priest’s palace in the middle of the night.]

I have been sick and close to death since my youth.
    I stand helpless and desperate before your terrors.
¹⁶ Your fierce anger has overwhelmed me.
    Your terrors have paralyzed me.
¹⁷ They swirl around me like floodwaters all day long.
    They have engulfed me completely.
¹⁸ You have taken away my companions and loved ones.
    Darkness is my closest friend.

Psalm 118:

[Read this psalm as Jesus’ prayer of praise to the Father upon his resurrection from the dead! This psalm is often used on Easter Sunday, the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection.]

Then the Lord said to [Cain], “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.¹⁶ Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. – Genesis 4:15-16

Did you grow up around here? Jock Ficken (PLI Co-Executive Leader) recently offered this question as a means to invite conversation with people. By asking this question, you can begin a conversation that will lead to hearing someone’s story. That may lead to telling them your story…and ultimately to God’s story. God’s story connects us to an eternity of blessing, hope, life, and salvation.

And salvation is the thing we need most. For not only do we have a story, we all grew up “east of Eden.” And there is a problem with this that is too often lost on us. We’ve made our lives as comfortable as possible. We’ve enjoyed incredible blessings this side of eternity. We have luxuries. We enjoy beauty. We’ve become very adept at making our lives  seem quite comfortable.

We embrace the glimpses of glory and think of these things as the ultimate which are in reality only a pale reflection of the eternal delights of God. This is the rub. C.S. Lewis says it well: 

We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”

We’ve numbed ourselves to the greater blessings of God, and have lost sight of the splendid glory of paradise. East of Eden is a place of sin and sickness, death and disease, conflict and disappointment. We’ve covered over all that with a thin veil of glitz, excitement, distraction, and addictions that will never ultimately satisfy us. 

I’m thinking, as I write this, of beautiful sunsets, gorgeous fields of flowers, delightful moments with friends and family, new experiences of travel and adventure, opportunities to see the amazing monuments of man. These are gifts of God. They are not to be disparaged or taken for granted. But they must never blind us to what we have lost and that which we hope for in the Paradise of God. 

Jesus said, “My Father’s house has many rooms. If that were not true, would I have told you that I’m going to prepare a place for you? If I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again. Then I will bring you into my presence so that you will be where I am” (John 14:2-3).

Enjoy the glimpses of glory – those dim reflections of the Paradise of God that he allows you these days. And remember you have grown up east of Eden, not in it. One Day we’ll go there and experience the fullness of the Garden of God’s delight. I look forward to that Day. I hope you do too!

And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 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.” – Genesis 4:10-12

Jack was quite a character. He came in to the church one day fully decked out in his clown costume. Giant shoes. Bulbous nose. Oversized and gaudy bow tie. Striped socks. Painted smile. Friendly yes. But I can see why children can be afraid of clowns. In spite of his friendly demeanor he was a bit off-putting. 

Jack had other issues as well. He would bring his dog into the church office and never asked if that was OK. We would just deal with that. He would visit in the hospital and cheer people up. And that was mostly well-received. But he was hypoglycemic. And if he got just the slightest touch of sugar he would immediately freeze his face, become glassy-eyed, and incoherent. We really didn’t know what to do with that. 

But Jack had a kind heart and one day he wrote a brief poem and gave it to me. 

Ripples

Every movement
Every day
Brings joy or pain
To someone near or far away.

When God asks Cain what he had done, he was hinting at the far-reaching impact of Cain’s actions. He would suffer severe consequences. Work would be far bitter and more difficult. He would be banished to a far-away place. He would wander in fear of someone catching him and causing him to suffer further consequences for his actions. Isolation. Abandonment. Loneliness. Distress. Difficulty. These would be his lot.

Sadly, however, that is not all his actions would cause. Now that blood has been spilled, the possibility would begin to occur to others. Who would have imagined such a thing before Cain had raised his hand and shed his brother’s blood! And think of the fear that would come to the hearts of those Cain met. Will I be next?

This is the question we all must ask when we invent new ways of doing evil. What have I done? What new idea have I put into the minds of others? What are the far-reaching implications of my actions? When others see me doing things I ought not do, are they emboldened to do them too? Do they get other ideas? 

This may not be an obvious problem for dedicated Christians. We don’t typically sit around figuring out new ways to sin. But we may get caught up in actions or be tempted to use words that trigger an idea in our minds or others that lead to things far worse than we imagine. A brief longing look at a new car may lead to overspending in other areas. My new camera may inspire a supposed need for a new lens or other accessory. Not necessarily. But not guaranteed not to cause such a ripple.

God has asked this question twice: What have you done? First to Eve. Now to Cain. Were it not for God’s mercy and grace, we would have no hope. But on the cross, Jesus said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” And in that word ripples of grace expand and touch hearts and save souls far and wide.

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Cain spoke to Abel his brother. And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. ⁹ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” ¹⁰ And the Lord said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground. 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. ¹⁶ Then Cain went away from the presence of the Lord and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden. – Genesis 4:8-16

As an aside: One has to understand that by this time other children will have been born to Adam and Eve, and the earth’s population was growing. In the pristine environment not long-rocked by sin’s impact would sustain many children and families would naturally take shape over time. The earth’s population would grow quickly. And with lifespans in the hundreds of years, there would be plenty of time for all this to happen.