Two boys from the same parents, raised in the same environment, learning the same lessons – did not turn out alike. Their understanding of God, and our approach to Him was different. One understood substitution but not the value of a life poured out as a sinless sacrifice. The other learned from the same parents, but could see beyond himself to the reason for the sacrifice. Both knew the substitute of a sacrifice was needed and what God expected. Only Abel, the first shepherd, obeyed.
A lesson I learn from this first family is: God has guidelines for us to follow. His expectations from .us are not beyond our ability to perform. God does hear those who come to Him. I must obey Him regardless of the cost and trust Him to help me do what needs to be done.
I also learned that in families, every child is different. No matter what our differences, God has the right to expect from me what He asks. All parents should teach their children to joyfully give God our best of time, talents, money and possessions.
When I need to be corrected, it is better for me to accept corrections gratefully and gracefully, rather than resent the corrections. Family life is one way to learn from others. When left to oneself we tend to get worse in behavior and attitude. When rubbing against others, I can learn without having to always be corrected.
As I turn from that first murder scene, I can see the danger of unrestrained anger. God deserves the best I have and also would expect me to give what He wants, not what I want to give.
Going on in my time-journey, I am made very conscious of the fact that the consequences of sin may last for a lifetime and its results will be felt by generations yet to come.
I saw that God is interested in and involved in, family life. He was not finished with families because Cain failed, murdered and was driven out. He has plans to fulfill not matter how failing human families are. Through Seth He carries out His plans that Satan cannot stop. Righteousness is much more powerful than sin. But sin left unchecked gets increasingly worse as time passes.
I was caused to rejoice and be comforted because I know God is not done with nations, is people and families. He intends to share with us His plans and purposes – and His goals.
He has given me a family heritage – even me!
The social structure of a family is so wise
Because it gives worth to each person regardless of size.
A father may be large and full of strength
And his infant child only half his arm's length
But a great huge man can be brought to tears
By the cry of a child in the midst of their fears.
The unique position of a mother is special from the start,
For the child she bears came from right near her heart.
There is a special bond there that men never know.
You see it at the birth of a child when the mother's face glows.
People looking on are touched by a new-born
Who has the unasked for ability a family name to adorn.
However, there is an inborn problem that came right at the first;
When sin entered the human family, it kept getting worse.
And what began way back in the book of Genesis –
Continues to be mankind's greatest nemesis.
No matter how innocent a child seems when they're young,
It doesn't take long to know something is morally wrong.
We pass on to our children a nature that is fallen –
And it is within their own personhood in spite of what we call them.
Cain passed on to his seed many of his characteristics.
Even the godly line of Seth had similar instincts.
As members of families we all need to remember –
Attitudes are caught more than taught by the on-looking members.
Though we are all subject to the curse caused by the fall
God is able and willing to save us when we on Him call.
“Lord God, please remember our family today. They have gone away from their homes to different places for vacations. Preserve them from temptations and evil attractions. Gove them all a genuine appreciation of Thyself and Thy ways. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”