Genesis 4-6

It always amazes me how quickly man goes downhill. From the fall to murder is a very short leap and it just shows how messed up we really are. Cain kills his brother, Abel, and then Cain's offspring take the mercy God gave and claim it for themselves – and claim to expand it for themselves. Lamech's story (Genesis 4:23-25) gives us a picture of what man expects from God. Lamech knew that his ancestor Cain received some mercy for killing his brother (the fact that God did not destroy him alone is mercy – let alone protecting him from retaliation) and now Lamech was claiming Cain's promise on himself – giving him at least the perception that he was protected from judgment. Isn't that the case a lot of time with us – we look to what has happened to others as a guide for how "good" we are or for "what we deserve" from God. This isn't true – you have your life and your things to deal with – no one else's. You need to follow God and let Him give you what He wants to give you. It is all about Him.

In this, the people begin to spread throughout the earth. Noah lives righteously and is saved from judgment. He is blessed and is allowed to live despite the world's judgment. Does this mean that if you live righteously that you will not suffer or that God will save you from everything? Of course not, you have your life – now – to do what God wants you to do at this moment. He is not likely to ask you to build an ark. You will see bad things happen in this life. You will experience pain and sometimes it will be at the hands of those who do not follow God. He is not avoiding you, neglecting you or forgetting you. You have what He has to offer and give you – now – not for anyone else. Think about this.

Interestingly, Noah's dad dies a couple of years before the flood. He saw his son build a boat for 95 years and died 5 years before the flood start. This did not mean that Noah was wrong. This is interesting to me. Also, Noah's grandpa, Methuselah, died in the flood. His family didn't even believe him, it seems. Some of you are living in a family that does not believe what you believe. Some of you are swimming upstream. I know life is not always easy – don't claim the promises of someone else and trust that God is going to make it easy. I grow the most when challenged. Also, don't feel that God is absent when you are not being followed by many around you. Noah's family didn't follow – and he built for 100 years before the flood started.. He was still right – and faith is important. Hold it close to you and let your Bible help you.