Scripture to Read: Genesis 4:11-16
There are always consequences to our decisions. God gives all of us the freedom to choose to walk in obedience to Him or disobedience to Him. What God does not give us is the freedom to choose the consequences of our decisions. God always has the final word on what the outcome will be of our decisions. Because Cain was unwilling to repent, God brought His judgment on Cain. God chose to curse Cain from the ground so that the ground would no longer yield its strength to Cain. Because the blood of Abel was spilled on the earth, Cain could work, plant, and water the ground, but the earth would no longer yield a plentiful harvest for him. Remember, God made the earth to bring forth everything man and animal needed to live. But because of sin, God cursed the ground (Genesis 3:17-19) and all mankind experienced, and still experiences today, difficulties with thorns and thistles, droughts, and famines. While the Gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for the salvation of ALL sinners, the earth, and all of creation have been burdened by sin (Romans 8:20-22). All of creation awaits a day when all will be made new. We also read in Genesis 4:12 that Cain became a fugitive and a wanderer upon the earth. In Genesis 4:13-16, we read Cain’s response to God’s judgment and God’s response back to Cain. Cain knew God’s punishment was severe, and he feared for his life. But God quickly corrects Cain and places a provision over his life. Again, God’s lovingkindness is displayed.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about your decisions and the consequences of those decisions?
2. How are you guiding your decisions each day and bringing them under the authority of God and His Word?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!