Hope Over Evil

“This punishment is too hard!” Cain said. “You’re making me leave my home and live far from you. I will have to wander about without a home, and just anyone could kill me.” “No!” the Lord answered. “Anyone who kills you will be punished seven times worse than I am punishing you.” So the Lord put a mark on Cain to warn everyone not to kill him.

Genesis 4:13–15 (CEV)

Jealousy, anger, rage, murder—it all started in the very first generation, brother on brother, and continues today. We get angry. We fight. We kill. And the world cries for justice.

God will answer. He will not let evil go unpunished. Someday, his justice will right all wrongs. And yet, he is also merciful. We know this because of the story of the first murder. Adam and Eve’s son, Cain, got mad at his brother, Abel, and killed him. When God spoke with him, Cain remained unrepentant. So why are we studying Cain this week? Seems like he’s not a brave warrior that we should emulate. In God’s Word, there are some stories that teach us what to do... and some that teach us what not to do.

God punished Cain by sending him away from his homeland. Cain felt this punishment was too hard. The murderer feared someone would murder him. So even in bringing justice, God showed mercy. He placed a mark on Cain so no one would kill him.

With so much evil in this world, it can seem hopeless, unless we look to the God who made us. We must allow him to take revenge, trust him to carry out justice one day, and thank him for his compassion in saving us from the punishment we deserve. Then we find hope.

SPIRITUAL FITNESS TRAINING

God stands for justice. If you find that hard to believe, check out Exodus 14:26-28; 1 Kings 18:40; Esther 7:9-10; Acts 12:21-24. Highlight or circle what comforts you in each verse. (Yes, we can do that in our Bibles!)

INSPIRATION

“If you take care of yourself and walk with integrity, you may be confident that God will deal with those who sin against you. Above all, don’t give birth to sin yourself; rather, pray for those who persecute you. God will one day turn your persecution into praise.”

— Warren Wiersbe, American pastor, Bible teacher, and author

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help you expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Refer to the tabbed Bible references to read the passages today.

Psalm 79:10

Jeremiah 7:13–15

Romans 12:19

Revelation 11:17–18