Devotional

Mercy and the Wandering Sinner

Scriptures: Genesis 4:13-16
by Jacob Abshire on June 27, 2016

And the Lord put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him.

Genesis 4:13-16

Cain’s sin at the place of worship turned into hatred. His hatred in the field of labor turned into death. His progressive downfall was not unlike that of his parents. He doubted God’s word and rejected God’s design for worship. This led to an upsetting reversal of birthrights, an uprising of hatred, and an unnerving murder.

Like his parents, what began with a seemingly small desire ended in death and eventually banishment. Cain was thrown out of the land by God and sentenced to wander the earth as a hungry, homeless man. But, God was still merciful.

Cain begged for pity. “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden.” It was the same for his parents—away from the land and God. But, as horrifying as it was, Cain was concerned more for his life. “I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.”

God, who is rich in mercy, marked Cain for protection and promised divine vengeance on anyone who would attack him. Then, “Cain went away from the presence of God,” just like his parents, “and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden,” further east, further from paradise.

Again, justice was satisfied and mercy followed. It would seem evident from the story so far that grace always comes through righteousness, not at the expense of it. Cain broke the covenant and was judged, but God still cared for him.

Reflections
  1. What was Cain’s punishment and why did he think it was so severe? What do you think was really on Cain’s mind when hearing about his punishment?
  2. Throughout the story so far, God remains merciful. What other attributes do you see in God? What else do we learn about Him in this part of the story?
  3. What truths from the story are most impactful for you? How can you apply them to your life today?
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