Day Two: Genesis 4-6

Paradise is short lived within the pages of the Bible. Sad as it is, that is the reality familiar to us all. All we know is a world with suffering and heartache. So it is fitting that the story should turn that direction as quickly as it does. We do not have to wait long before we are able to witness the influence of that tree (the one that promised the knowledge of good and evil). We read about it in the story of Cain and Abel. This one always fills me with curiosity. How is it that two boys raised by the same parents can turn out so differently? At least we assume that they were quite different, although very little is said about either one. We actually hear much more about Cain in this story than we do about Abel. But given the little that we know, it always seems to be a story of good versus evil, obedience versus rebellion, one brother who is close to God and the other who is distant. Something new struck me, however, when I re-read the story this time.

It begins with God's pursuit of Cain. When Cain is... shall we say... disheartened, by God's rejection of his offering, God draws near to Cain and has a conversation with him. Isn't that remarkable! There is no mention of a personal conversation between God and Abel (good and acceptable as his offering was). But God does come and have a conversation with evil and rebellious Cain. This shows me, quite plainly, that God was not simply refusing to pay attention to Cain, or to listen to his prayers. He wasn't turning his face away in stubbornness. He wasn't unwilling to have a relationship with Cain. No, God wanted to accept Cain's offering and prayer, and He drew near to encourage Cain with the assurance that, if he does what is right (if his life and offering are sincere) then he will be accepted by God. The issue was not God's refusal to listen, but Cain's unwillingness to come to God on acceptable terms.

What an opportunity for learning and growth that Cain had! God came near and offered him gentle correction. He showed Cain the way toward acceptance. It is as though he was holding out a hand to Cain and inviting him to "come this way" and you will find what you need. Cain chose not to accept that invitation. Why, I cannot say with certainty, but it seems as though he didn't want to bend to God, but for God to bend to him. God was willing to come near to Cain, but Cain refused to budge. So sad.

In chapter 5 we come to the first genealogy in the Bible. It's not much of a story, but sometimes a few dry facts are what we need to exercise a different part of our brains. In the middle of the facts, however, comes the brief description of Enoch, who is a standout in the generations of Adam's descendants. It is said that he "walked with God", after the birth of his son Methuselah, for 300 years. It doesn't tell us what his life was like before that. Was he rebellious? Disinterested in God? Or was he just sort of casually a spiritual person? We don't know. But there came a decided and notable change in his life, and he "walked with God" for the rest of his life. And we are told that "he was not", which basically means that he disappeared one day, with the explanation being that "God took him." I've always wondered why God "took him." Why Enoch and not others? There must have been something very exceptional about Enoch's relationship with God, because the outcome was certainly exceptional. Whether it was God's purpose or not, I can't help but think that "taking" Enoch was a reminder to people living at the time, that there is a greater life beyond this earth—and sometimes we all need that reminder.

In chapter 6 we are introduced to what is known by Bible readers as "The Flood." It begins with an evaluation of the state of the world under the rule of mankind. Wickedness and violence had spread, a result of mankind's unwillingness to be influenced by God's Spirit, so that God decided that it would be best to destroy the human race. We have already seen, in the story of Cain, that God has shown grace, patience, and a willingness to work with mankind through their weakness and even sin. How bad must the world have gotten for God to decide that destruction was the best option!

Yet there is Noah, who, "found favor in the eyes of the Lord." Noah was not of the same character as most others of his day. Like Enoch, Noah is said to have "walked with God." We might think, then, that Noah ought to be rewarded in the same way that Enoch was. But, it would seem, God has plan and purposes far greater than ensuring that everyone receives identical treatment. The calling that God has for one individual is not necessarily the same as it is for another. (Which isn't to say that Noah would not receive the same reward, namely "heaven". It's just that he would have to wait for that reward to come at a different time.) Rather than being "taken" from the earth, Noah was given the assignment of building an ark. This would become the means of preserving not only human life, but life in every form, from the destructive forces of the flood. As difficult as it may be to know that God chose to bring "The Flood", we can see how carefully God worked to provide a means of safety for the few who were willing to put their trust in Him.

I know that God did not make this decision lightly. And He certainly didn't do it with the goal to destroy. That's an interesting matter to consider: What was God's goal in bringing The Flood? Not that we can presume to read God's thoughts or intentions. But we can see evidence of His thoughts in the outcome of the story. Even through The Flood, God's desire was to save us, and to rescue us. And He did it.

It just wasn't easy.

How did these chapters speak to you? Would you mind sharing a few thoughts with me?