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Read Genesis 4 -- 6 

Highlights In Today's Reading:

As the Lord continues to disclose mankind's lineage, He contrasts the ungodly line of Cain with the godly line of Seth. About sixteen hundred years passed from the time of Adam's rebellion to the third great event of history — the flood in Noah's day. The increasing degeneration began with Cain's sacrifice and culminated with the destruction of the wicked in the flood.

From the time of Cain and his family (Genesis 4:26), mankind throughout the world had become increasingly sinful and disbedient to God. And God saw . . . only evil continually. . . . But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord . . . . Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God (6:5-9). Their rebellion resulted in the flood. It was the greatest catastrophe ever experienced upon the earth and its inhabitants (Matthew 24:37-39; Hebrews 11:7; I Peter 3:20; and II Peter 2:5; 3:3-7). A godly witness was reduced to just one family. Only Noah found grace with the Lord. With the word “grace” the Lord reveals His love for His creation and mercy to establish a new life and hope for mankind.

But the flood also had another purpose. It was an act of judgment against sin and it evidenced the need of separation from the independent self-will and rebellion against the Word of God. Noah's separation from death, spiritually and physically, literally took place through the ark, which foreshadowed Christ. Noah (a descendant of Seth) did according unto all that the Lord commanded him (Genesis 7:5). The unbelieving world has no influence on Noah. He was concerned with one thing — his relationship with God.

God has his faithful witnesses in every generation. He reveals that mankind are all in one of two groups as He said: He that is not with Me is against Me: and he that gathereth not with Me scattereth (Luke 11:23). Soon He will point to all who walked with Him as a witness against the unfaithful who live in similar temptations but disregarded His will for their life so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20).

Thought for Today:

We live in evil times and God is looking for men and women like Noah who desire to please their Lord.

Christ Revealed:

Man's best achievements can never take the place of Christ's death on the cross to cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7).

Word Studies:

4:1 knew =ad intercourse with; 4:4 had respect =pproved; 4:6 fallen =orrowful, resentful; 4:15 a mark = sign of protection; 4:18 begat =athered; 4:22 artificer =etal craftsman; 4:23 to my wounding =or wounding me; 5:22 walked with =elieved in and was obedient to; 6:2 sons =ollowers; daughters of men =orldly women; 6:6 repented =rieved; 6:8 grace =nmerited mercy; 6:9 perfect =lameless; 6:15 cubits = cubit is about 18 inches; 6:16 to =or; 6:18 My Covenant =inding agreement with qualifications given by God.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The English International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts sponsored by Mrs. Aubrey Levings and Raymond & Hazel Tarpley • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Government Official: Rep. Dennis Hastert (IL) • Country: Vanuatu (189,000) a group of 12 large islands southwest of the Solomon Islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: English and French • Religious freedom • 78% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Praise God for His mercy (Psalm 136:2).

Optional Reading: Matthew 2

Memory Verse for the Week: Deuteronomy 4:2