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“Conception, Misconception”With the tiny seed of grace in mind, Adam and Eve live out their creation mandate to fill and subdue the earth. They begin by bringing into the world two sons, the first of which is called by his mother a “manchild.” A peculiar turn of phrase that reveals Eve’s mindset. Will Cain be the seed who will crush the serpent’s head? At his conception it’s uncertain, but the misconception comes to light when he and his brother Abel bring offerings to the Lord. Now, why would they do that in the first place? It must be that their parents taught them of the graciousness of their loving God who commands trust and obedience but is steadfast and forgiving. A right oblation isn’t what’s brought to the altar, but how. Sadly, Eve’s first born brought his offering with anger in his heart. (April 24, 2022)
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“The Attributes of Sin”
The first sin recorded after the fall is the anger in Cain’s heart, which manifests in the murder of his brother. It should be no surprise that anger and hate are carinal sins we’re commanded to mortify. Cain’s wickedness went unchecked and his iniquity grew in his own personal walk from God and, sadly, the sins of the father continued in the sons. It should be no surprise to us when distrust of God’s Word and a penchant for worldliness guide one generation, that the next generation is just as or often more sinful. This plays out in the record of Cain’s family tree, climaxing, as it were, in Lamech, who is thrice as unrighteousness as his ancestor. Thanks be to God His plan never fails, and Eve gives birth to Seth, a child appointed by God for the preservation of the people of God. (May 1, 2022)
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