Earthly Confidence
And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD. Genesis 4:16
Read Genesis 4:16-18
It is always shocking when someone turns his back to the Lord and goes his or her own way. How many young people who were given a Christian upbringing have traveled the same path as Cain? Genesis 4 shows us what results when a person lives for themselves. In some sense, Cain understood what this implied. He realized that man is a vulnerable creature and that the earth had become a dangerous place to live. It was therefore quite a step to say farewell to God and to conduct his own affairs. It was also very dangerous!
People like Cain try to solve their own problems. In his case, it was to build a city. While surrounded by thick walls and his own people, he felt safe. But in our text we see that what seems safe can be deceitful. In the end, all of Cain’s descendants perished in the flood. All walls built by man and all safety precautions taken by him will avail nothing. In Chapter 17:5, Jeremiah prophecies, “Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD.” This is also true today: How many people imitate Cain without realizing that a life without God has no future? A modern author has written a book titled Whoever Departs from God Has Nothing to Fear. This title may seem to be true for a time, but in the end God’s own Word will prove to be true, “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” (Ps. 90:10) Therefore, rely only on God’s mercy!
Question: Would you like to spend eternity with Cain’s type of people? If not, do not seek their friendship in this life!
Psalter 400:2, 3 (based on Psalm 146) Put no confidence in princes, Nor for help on man depend; He shall die, to dust returning, And his purposes shall end. Happy is the man that chooses Israel’s God to be his aid; He is blest whose hope of blessing, On the Lord his God is stayed.