January 5--Evening
January 5—Evening "Love is of God."
She probably hoped that this was the Messiah. Alas! how often are parents hopes deceived. It was not "a man—the Lord" who had come to Eves bosom, but a man of sin, a child of the wicked one.
Genesis 4:2 Her second child she called "Vanity" and yet he was precious in the sight of the Lord. What mistakes we make about our children.
Cain had no faith, and he had no eye to the blood of atonement: Abel had both. These should be main points in all our religious duties.) (Wroth not with himself as he ought to have been, but with his brother and with God.
Genesis 4:7 It is sin which blocks the way.
We shall either be our brother's keeper or our brother's murderer. If we do not labour to save others, we shall be guilty of their blood.
He makes no confession of his sin, but only murmurs at his punishment. We know many whose minds are in a similar state. They cavil at hell, but they persevere in sin.
1 John 3:10-15 This ancient record of the first murder is used by John as a picture of the action of the unregenerate in all time. Love marks the children of God, and hate is the sure ensign of the heirs of wrath. Thus writes the beloved apostle:—
O for grace to purge our hearts of all anger, envy, malice, and bitterness of every kind, that like Jesus we may be full of love and gentleness.
Lord, from anger purge my heart, Bid all enmity depart;
New-created from above, Let my very life be love.
Quench in me each evil fire, Envious thought or fierce desire.
Flame from heaven upon me fall!
Love of God be all in all.