God is 'grieved to the heart'

Going through Genesis, we firstly see the joy and wonder of creation, and the imagination, purity and delight of God in what He has made, and soon it all goes wrong….

Why does it go wrong? Because mankind want to do things their way. Adam and Eve were tempted then the initial sin of mistrust in God leads into depravity and destruction as we can clearly see in the synopsis of chapter 5. Then we hit this bombshell moment in chapter 6; 

‘The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. *6*And the Lord regretted that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart.’

Genesis 6:5-6

Wow! What a contrast to the earlier chapters where things were 'good'. Now, the will and choice of humankind has led to God regretting that he made the whole race! I found that quite hard-hitting when i read it, that God saw the horrible stuff we get up to and felt so sick and sad about it that he felt intense sorrow. Doesn't that just show the incredible love of God?

God allowed, and still allows, humans to make up their own minds, to have opinions and choices, but can you see why God gets so sad about our disobedience or mistrust of Him? When we consider the unfolding reality through the book of Genesis that doubt, temptation and human choice can lead to a rapid descent into sin, why do we still favour our own decisions above God's advice? With Adam and Eve, the initial lack of faith in God, starting to doubt who He is and what He has said ends up with; murder, boasting, polygamy, unhealthy relationships and further distance put between God and His own creation, and that's just in these first few chapters, as you read on you will see lying, rape, incest, homosexuality and much more depravity.  

The very created beings that were intended to replicate something of who God is have gone away, and don’t even see it. No wonder God grieved. 

What would God see if He looked around the Earth today? I am sure He would still see, ‘that the wickedness of man was great’. Not much has changed. mankind still wish to exert their own importance and feel in control by making their own choices. Don't you think, that each time we knowingly do wrong  that God is still grieved ‘to his heart’?

Do you realise that only things that are dearly loved are dearly grieved? 

It is because of God’s enormous love for you that you grieve Him when you do things wrong, not because He hates you or wants to punish you, but because He sees how far you are running away from Him, and how the impact of your choices will effect you and those you care about. 

Today, ask yourself, are you grieving God in the way you are living your life? 

God has done everything He can to demonstrate His love to you, He follows you, He cares and provides for you, not only that, but He also allowed His perfect son, Jesus, to bear the ultimate shame and punishment just so you can experience the depth of His love for you by being free of the guilt of your sin.

Today, you have a chance to put away wickedness, accept forgiveness and live a life knowing you’re loved - are you going to take it? 

Perpetuation of sin

Sin is dangerous. Ignoring God's rebuke is dangerous. It is dangerous for you and the generations that follow. If you're reading this today and know there are things in your life that God doesn't like, make a decision today to get rid of it because it will get hold of you and destroy you, your faith and your family. Don't believe me? Think i'm being over-dramatic or too harsh? Then lets look at the Bible and consider the generations that followed Cain....

*17*Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. *18*To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. *19*And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. *20*Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. *21*His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. *22*Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 

*23*Lamech said to his wives: 

Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; 

you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say: 

I have killed a man for wounding me, 

a young man for striking me. 

*24* If Cain’s revenge is sevenfold, 

then Lamech’s is seventy-sevenfold.” 

We do not know much about some of the generations that are in-between Cain and Lamech, but look at the perpetuation of sin that occurred in the generations between Cain and Lamech. Considering that they would of known and understood that they are descended from the first ever people on the planet who walked with God, look how far away from God’s perfect plan they wander; Lamech has not one wife but two for a start, this clearly does not reflect God’s design that two become one flesh (- what do 3 become?) Then look at Lamech’s speech, or i would call it a boast; how he murdered someone for injuring him, how he seeks revenge and seems to have a lust for vengeance. 

The generations between Cain and Lamech are not mentioned much beyond their capabilities, they certainly do not mention that any of them have faith in God (maybe they did but it doesn't seem to be as signifciant a part of their life as their accomplishments). Yet we get this snippet about Lamech, which clearly shows the level of degradation humankind had got into. 

It all stemmed from pride. Cain was proud and would not accept instruction, down the line this led to Lamech's pride in murdering someone! can you see how sin gets out of hand?

You may not see your wrongdoing as a big deal. it is. It is a big enough deal to separate you from God (who is supremely holy), and warrant the death of an innocent man who willingly went through torture so you and your descendents could be free from the entanglement of sin. 

Temptation, pride, disappointment, even success can quickly descend into sin. It can overcome you if you do not allow God or His people to correct you. If you choose to go your own way instead of God's then you can see your life, and the lives of those who come after you descend into wickedness. If Cain had listened to God’s warnings, if we listen to God’s warnings instead of doing what we want, how different our lives and the lives of those around us could be. 

So, the question is, what kind of legacy do you want to leave behind you? 

How your descendants turn out could well depend on your obedience to God today. 

If you do well, will you not be accepted?

 Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. *3*In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, *4*and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, *5*but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. *6*The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? *7*If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 

Genesis 4:2-7

What was Cain’s problem?

Some may know the section of scripture that comes next, but do you notice the indicators in these verses that something is wrong? Clearly, Cain wants to be the best, and be recognised as not just being accepted, but better than his brother. When he is not, he becomes jealous. This leads to disappointment and anger, but not regret or remorse. It seems that Cain’s offering was more about himself than about honouring God. He did it so God would be happy and commend him, instead God challenged and corrected him, yet Cain would not heed the advice. God even warned him that his mindset could lead to sin - so far he had not sinned in this situation, but God told him that if he didn’t sort out his own heart and response then it would lead somewhere he shouldn’t seek to go. The encouragement for Cain was to listen to instruction and learn to manage himself, to learn self-control. 

This is the kind of worship God seeks.

Are you someone that gets jealous of others? That looks around to see if you are better in your own eyes than yours around you? Have you  ever been corrected but been more offended than consider if it’s true or not? 

If so, what do you think God would be saying to you right now?

You could even be doing things for God, worshipping, sacrificing, living a ‘christian’ life, but if you’re doing it all to gain recognition from God or man, then you are in danger just like Cain was. Your heart will become prideful, if it isn’t already, and you need to watch out for the sin that is crouching ready to take you out. 

Listen to God’s advice; ‘If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.’

Watch out for yourself, if you catch yourself comparing yourself to others or being jealous of the gifts of others or their commendation, then take a step back and refocus. It’s an opportunity to consider - are you doing well? Is God getting your best? 

Cain’s gift could not match Abel’s gift in one way, because they had different workloads and responsibility, yet Cain could still of brought the best of what he had rather than be in competition with those around him. Cain could have accepted the rebuke and restored the relationship between himself and his brother and between him and God, yet he allowed his disappointment in himself to turn into self-pity and hatred. 

Be warned! Be aware of your own heart and mind before God and others. The temptation will be there, but are you willing to admit it and ask forgiveness? Are you willing to restore your relationships and heal your heart? Will you watch out over your own heart and reactions? 

If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door.

What is the best gift?

 Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. *3*In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, *4*and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, *5*but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. *6*The Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? *7*If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 

Genesis 4:2-7

What was Cain’s sin?

Some may know the section of scripture that comes next, but do you notice the indicators in these verses that something is wrong? Clearly, Cain wants to be the best, and be recognised as not just being accepted, but better than his brother. When he is not, he becomes jealous. This leads to disappointment and anger, but not regret or remorse. It seems that Cain’s offering was more about himself than about honouring God. He did it so God would be happy and commend him, instead God challenged and corrected him, yet Cain would not heed the advice. God even warned him that his mindset could lead to sin. God told him that if he didn’t sort out his own heart and response then it would lead somewhere he shouldn’t seek to go. The encouragement for Cain was to listen to instruction and learn to manage himself, to learn self-control. 

This is the kind of sacrifice God seeks.

Are you someone that gets jealous of others? That looks around to see if you are better in your own eyes than those around you? If so, what do you think God would be saying to you right now? You could even be doing things for God, diligently working for the church, but if you’re doing it to gain recognition from God or man, then your heart will become prideful if it isn’t already, and you need to watch out for the sin that is crunching ready to take you out, just like it was waiting for Cain.

Listen to God’s advice, 'If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 

Watch out! If you catch yourself comparing yourself to others or being jealous of the gifts of others or their commendation, then you need to change your focus - ask yourself, what are you doing well? Is there something God is trying to tech you right now? Are you listening and doing what you know is right? 

The issue with the gifts given to God in this story is not about us all being the same and doing the same; Cain’s gift could not match Abel’s gift because they had different workloads and responsibility, yet Cain could still of brought the best of what he had. That is what God wants - the best you have, rather than being in competition with those around you. 

Cain could of accepted the rebuke and restored the relationship between himself and his brother and between him and God, yet he allowed his disappointment in himself to turn into self-pity and hatred. 

Be warned, and be aware of your own heart and mind before God and others. The temptations are there, there's an enemy waiting to prey on your dissatisfied mind, but are you willing to admit it and ask forgiveness? Are you willing to give the best sacrifice that is your own pride and desires? 

You have a choice, 'If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” 

Can you lose God's love?

 /And the Lord God made for Adam and for his wife garments of skins and clothed them./ 

*22*Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil. Now, lest he reach out his hand and take also of the tree of life and eat, and live forever—” *23*therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden to work the ground from which he was taken.

Genesis 3:21-23

Even when Adam and Eve had damaged the relationship between themselves and God, do you see how God still continues to care for them? He made them clothes. 

Due to their disobedience they recognised their vulnerability, and God still provided for them eventhough they had taken their trust away from Him. How awesome is God?! He still cares, He still loves and still provides even when we do the opposite to what He wants. 

Why does God do that?

Surely that shows something of the extent of the investment God has made in us, the measure of His love. A love that is not dependent on performance, on getting it right, of obeying all of the rules or being the best. That is the kind of love the Lord God has for us - a love that stays with us even when we mess up, when we are disobedient and test the boundaries, even when we walk away, God's love remains. His love still looks out for us and does what it can for us even in the simple everyday provision of food, shelter and clothing. 

Do you know that no matter what you have done or are doing, God is still providing what you need? 

Sure, your sin and disobedience will have some consequences, but losing God’s love is not one of them. 

Dust v Image of God

In Genesis Chapters 1 and 2, we find the following descriptions of mankind:

‘the image of God’

‘of dust from the ground’

These are two opposing concepts, one of great value, worth, significance and power -  being an image bearer of the Lord God. The other of lowliness, dirt and insignificance - made out of mud. 

Why were human beings created with such a conflict inherent in their being? 

I think that as humans we can err on two accounts, some of us readily associate with the saying, ‘I am but a worm’, indicating that we consider ourselves dirt - we can identify ourselves as of little worth and value and therefore understand the fact that we are in fact just dirt that walks around. To you, God would remind you you also bear His image. He formed you, He put HIs breath in you, AND He made you like Himself, so you have the opportunity to demonstrate who God is just by being yourself in this world. 

Others err in the fact that they are overly confident in the fact that they are like mini-gods roaming around. Full of the confidence that they are image-bearers of God, which can lead to pride, over confidence and self-importance, even then thinking that the world is about them and how it effects them. To these, God would say, you are, 'of dust from the ground'  Have you forgotten who formed you and what from? Do you even know how many breaths you have left or how many hairs on your own head? but God gives you every one? 

Remember what you are and where you came from.

You are who you are because of Almighty God’s creative power, not anything to do with your own perception of yourself, or others’ opinions or actions. God doesn’t  want you to get prideful or downhearted about who you are, if you struggle with one or the other of these mindsets, then consider the other perspective and honour God for it.

This inherent conflict is striving to strike a balance, and should remind us again who God is. This internal mindset should ultimately lead us to worship God - How else can we respond when we realise that we are endowed with kingly demeanour, yet we are created from the base of the earth? 

Only God can bring breath and life to dirt! Only God can bring value and strength from the muddy mess that we can find ourselves in. Only God knows and can reveal our purpose. 

Enjoy and appreciate the tension that you are the image of God, yet you are also dirt. It will give you the right balance of acknowledgement of your place and stature in this Earthly kingdom, and in the kingdom to come.

Restored relationship

 they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. *9*But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” *10*And he said, “I heard the sound of you in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked, and I hid myself.” *11*He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you not to eat?” *12*The man said, “The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate.” *13*Then the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” 

Genesis 3:8-13

This section of scripture shows us that God knows. 

If there’s anything you’ve done in secret, God has seen it. That should give you comfort if you are secretly serving, giving and praying or doing something good. God sees it, He knows what you’ve been up to.

If there are things you know you shouldn’t be doing, God also sees it. But don’t despair, because read on to see how God handles it.

Adam and Eve know they’ve done something they shouldn’t have, and God knows they’ve done wrong, yet, even though some may have you believe that God is fierce and harsh God; He doesn’t rant, He doesn’t rain down fire or pour out punishment, what does He do? God asks questions.

God knows they are not positioned as they usually are to meet Him, so He simply asks them, “where are you?” God knows, but He is still inviting them both to come and meet Him, God continues to desire their presence, did you notice that? These first people He made stuffed up, yet He still wants to see them, it is the same for you.

Once Adam answered, God could tell the man wasn’t feeling right about himself, Adam knew that something had changed in the relationship and he wasn’t committable about it, and certainly not comfortable about approaching God with his wrongdoing (nothing much has changed in the last few thousand years has it?!). 

God also realised that what Adam told Him was not the whole story, so God then made it clear that He knew the problem and gave Adam the chance to confess it. God is doing the same for you. He cares more about you and His relationship between you than the sin you get caught up in.

God still wants to be close to you if you’ve done something you know you shouldn’t, He still wants to enjoy the relationship you have. He won’t hurt you, but He will desire for you to clean up your mess. He wants you to admit there’s a problem, not hear a load of excuses. Are you ready to be honest with yourself and God? 

God will ask you what you have done, are you ready to answer Him? 

There may well be consequences, but ultimately God wants to restore you to Himself so that you can hang out again. That’s the whole reason Jesus lived, died and rose again. It was all about that relationship being made right. 

If you know your relationship with God is not in a good place, take a bit of time today to figure out why. Is there something you’ve done or not done that needs sorting out? You need to admit it to yourself and God, why? Well, don’t you want to be invited to walk with God? Don’t you want to be free from the secret sin and the guilt and shame?

Today is a new opportunity to walk with God in the garden, there may be some hard conversation to be had, but you can be restored.