Not what we deserve

    In Genesis Chapter Four, we read the story of Cain and Abel, sons of Adam and Eve. Cain worked the soil while Abel took care of the sheep. In the process of time, they both brought offerings to the Lord - Cain some of the fruits of the soil and Abel the fat of some of the firstborn of his flock. The Lord was pleased with and accepted Abel’s offering but he did not accept Cain’s offering. Because of this, Cain became very angry and while he and Abel were in the field, he killed him.
    When God confronted him about the whereabouts of his brother, he denied knowing anything. But God told him that his brother’s blood had cried out to him from the ground. As a result, he would no longer be able to cultivate the ground and would be a fugitive and vagabond in the earth. Cain complained that his punishment was too great and feared that anyone finding him would kill him. God in turn put a mark on him so that anyone finding him would not kill him.
    I admit I felt excited to write about this story of Cain. Cain was deserving of every punishment that was coming his way. After all he had taken his brother’s life and that was certainly worthy of death. His life on earth would consequently be a very difficult one where he would find no peace or favour with man or even the earth itself. He lost his livelihood, he lost his sense of security, all because of responding to a fit of jealous rage. 
    Yet, what I find interesting is that he had a conversation with God about it. He complained about the severity of his punishment and feared for his very life when ironically he had taken the life of another. Yet, I love the fact that God chose to be merciful to him. He could have ignored his cry of complaint. He could have reminded him that this punishment was what he deserved. After all, he had not given Abel a chance to plead for his life. He had not chosen to lessen his wrath against his brother. He did what he did and apparently thought he would get away with it. Yet, in spite of these obvious realities, God in His mercy and compassion, chose to spare him death at the hands of another. Imagine that!
    God’s ways are truly past finding out. They make absolutely no sense to us at times but when God chooses to show compassion and mercy it means He is also choosing to look past our sin and love us anyway. I am reminded of the whole story of salvation. As I mentioned in my last post, God’s mercy is not dependent on our works or on how good we are. When we cry out to Him He will hear and He will be merciful. I believe that if Cain had not had his conversation with God, things would have been different for him. God literally offered his protection although he did not deserve it.
    Romans 10:13 says: “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” That’s a promise from God and when we cry out to him for mercy, He will not reject us. We may have to face some consequences for our actions, yes, but God’s mercy and compassion will also be evident in our lives. I liken the mark put on Cain by God to Jesus’ blood covering us. When we ask Jesus into our life to be our Lord and Saviour, His blood covers us. In turn, when God looks upon us, He does not see our sin but the blood of His Son on us. That blood covers and protects us from the punishment we deserve for the sin in our life. 
    All that this tells me is that God is more interested in saving us from the consequences of sin. He is more interested in sparing us the death penalty we deserve simply because He loves us. At the end of the day, no matter how deep we may have gone into sin, once we turn to God and ask Him for mercy, just like Cain turned to Him and complained about his punishment, God will hear and He will extend mercy to us. God is good. God is faithful. God is still the God of mercy!
    If you have not accepted Jesus Christ into your life as your personal Lord and Saviour, I encourage you to do so today. God has provided what we need to escape the consequences of sin. All we have to do is cry out to Him and He will hear and He will deliver. Be encouraged!

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