Genesis 4:13-16

Cain and Abel

God chooses to protect Cain from death even though he murdered his brother. God could have put Cain to death. A few chapters later, after the Flood, God tells Noah, “Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man his blood shall be shed” (Gen. 9:6). But here, God decides that vengeance and more violence will not solve anything. Not only does God not strike Cain dead, but God marks Cain, so that anyone who sees him will know not to harm him. Twice, God could have punished Cain to death, and twice, God chose to spare Cain’s life. 

What does this part of the story mean for you and me? What God does for Cain is a beautiful reminder that God is our protector even when we mess up. God does not give us the punishment we deserve but instead protects us. God is a merciful God who does not want to see us punished even if we deserve it. Praise God today that he does not punish as we deserve. Thank God for sending Jesus to die in our place. Be grateful for God’s mercy that we do not deserve.