Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Repent and Return

Genesis 4:1 – 15

“If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must master it.” (7)

St. Augustine once said, “God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but he has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”
The desire found in the first worship
In Genesis 4, we see the first worship ever since creation. We see Cain and Abel bringing their offerings before God. God accepted Abel’s offering, because Abel brought the best part of the firstborn of his flock. He did not give the youngest and the last in the flock, nor did he give the boniest parts, but he gave what He felt God should be given, because God is the one who gave to Him. Unfortunately, Cain merely brought just some fruits that he gardened. He did not look to give the best fruits, or what would have been the first fruits, which showed that Cain did not feel the same sort of gratefulness towards God that his brother did. Yet, when God accepted Abel’s offering, that stirs jealousy and anger within Cain.
God’s warning to turn from sin
When God spoke to Cain, He warned Cain to overcome sin, that sin is crouching at his door, and he needs to overcome the sin. He gave Cain two options, and He gives us the same two options today. Go in the right path, or do not heed God’s warning and take the wrong path. When temptation comes our way, God is willing to give us a way out. The choice is ours whether or not we want to take that way out.
Justice and mercy of God
Cain is given yet another opportunity to confess his sin when God asks him where Abel is, but even in that moment, Cain is so consumed by his sin that he refuses to repent. God, being a just God, delivers His punishment for Cain. In that moment, Cain realizes how he had fallen from the grace of God, and that he took advantage of God’s mercy. Yet, even though God punishes Cain, He marks Cain with a sign, so no one else will kill him. God continued to show His mercy towards Cain, despite Cain’s disobedience. We can turn to God and confess our sins, or we can continue in our sin and not heed His warnings. The choice is ours to make. Knowing that tomorrow is not guaranteed, what is your choice today?
Prayer: God, we know that you love us, and you have created us to worship you. Yet, we fall into sin. Help us to repent of our sins and return to you, so we may experience your love. Amen.
Thought for the Day: Disobedience drives us farther from God. Repentance brings us nearer to Him.

Mat Stan Samuel, St, Paul’s MTC,  Dallas


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