OTC Devotion: Fast Track Week 2, Day 2

Life quickly deteriorates for humanity. Cain introduces murder and jealously into family relationships. What's interesting is the study note for the TNIV study bible on 4:7. "Sin crouching at the door" was a Babylonian expression to describe a demon crouching outside the door of a house, seeking to bring danger and misfortune to the inhabitants. God is speaking the language of the people to warn them about the sin in our hearts. It seeks to bring destruction into the house if we open the door and let it in.

Cain did let it in. I'm amazed that there is no remorse. When confronted and judged, Cain is more concerned about his welfare than his wrong doing. Notice how the family continues the pattern of sin. One of his descendants, Lamech kills a man only to boast about it and declare his own judgment against anyone who would avenge the death, as if Lamech has the power to enforce the judgment.

It's incredible how sin is a pattern of inheritance that we leave our children. Anger, divorce, addictive behaviors, all this and more pass from one generation to the next until we make conscious decisions to partner with God for hope and healing. We don't have to teach our children to sin. They do it naturally. As a matter of fact, they have a way of picking up on our sin patterns.

It's sad that we were created to rule over creation as God's representatives. We were supposed to exhibit the same grace, mercy and love that God gives to us. Instead, we see humanity desire power, inflict pain, boast in arrogance.

Yet, God's grace is the river that runs under the story. He preserves humanity, forgives sin, judges but not mercilessly. His heart is our hope. Even today. I've seen God turn families around, redeem messed up people and heal broken lives. His grace is awesome.