Day 2: Genesis 4-7

Day 2: Genesis 4-7

Okay, I know this is early, but I will be away from a computer when the new day arrives. Enjoy, and make lots of comments!

God of ancient ways, guide us to hear what You have to say to us. Help us to open our hearts and minds as we read, study and share. Our hearts to heal old wounds and open our souls to new hope. AMEN

Brotherly Love

Ah, sibling rivalry. I can recall fondly, well, may not so fondly, the odd interactions between myself and my two siblings. It seemed that at least one of us was constantly on the outside of some inside joke, or had done something bad enough to cause alienation from the remaining two. Not to mention all the times the three of us competed to be the favorite child, even though we all know that I am the favorite.

Much like Cain and Able, we all try to gain favor in our parents, and in God. We give the best of what we have to offer. Yet, at times, it seems hard to understand the reaction our offerings illicit. During a past group discussion with the youth group, one of the young people raised an inspiring suggestion for the story of Cain and Able. To this young mind, the story was that of two villages, one of the other of farmers and ranchers. As is sometimes the case, a drought hit, causing unease amongst the farmers of Cain. War resulted between the two villages, and the ranchers were slaughtered and the ground that was once their field was destroyed.

I like to explore the story in a different way. Throughout the Biblical narrative we see God working through the "least." Here is no exception. Able, the youngest son would have little in the culture dominated by first-born privilege. Yet, Cain, his elder, was worried that Able would take the praise. Jealousy is the story at play in my reading of this passage. Jealousy Solely based on the "regard" from God. God's "regard" must be a very precious thing. But Able puts it best when reacting to his brother when he states, "If you do well, will you not be accepted? "(Genesis 4:7) Sometimes we get so lost on being the best or getting the most praise that we forget that God's unconditional acceptance is already given, much like how my parents' love is equal for all three of their children ... even when I argue that I am the best .

The Flood

Is it just me or the Bible full of stories about a new creation and a new covenant from God ... but wait, that is reading ahead.

Ocean It is easy to rationalize that to the people of the time a great flood could be similar to the floods we see in the Midwest or a typhoon hitting a small Iceland in the. To tribal people, the whole world is a much different concept than to our contemporary reality. Although the easy answer to the great flood is to put it in perspective of history, I sometimes think we take the easy way out with such explanations.

Again we come to this notion of sin, and wickedness resulting, however, I find it interesting that we really do not know what the actual acts are wicked. Moreover, if God wanted to destroy everything on the earth, or even just human kind, why warn Noah to build the arc.

Maybe, just maybe, the flood of Noah's flood was a spiritual flood, a spiritual renewal. We all go through times of torrential rain and swirling floods. We have all been there with water over our heads. Yet, God is there, waiting out the storm with a new covenant, a new life, a new beginning. As we prepare for tomorrow's reading, think of the floods that are in your life, the ones that have been, the one that is currently swirling or even the one yet to come. This time, remember God is still there at the end.