-Three - Malice Murder

Malice Murder

Today’s Reading: Genesis 4:1-15

Focal Verse: Genesis 4:15

And the LORD said to him, “Therefore, whoever kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him seven fold.” And the LORD set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him.

In the state where I reside, you can seek the death penalty for malice murder. Webster’s defines malice as “a desire to inflict injury on another.” I believe Cain’s murder of Abel meets that description.
God sees it coming. He sees where Cain is headed. He warns Cain that his anger will cause him to sin. He offers Cain a chance to “do well” and be accepted, but Cain lets his anger rage, and he kills his brother.
Murder must be punished. As Cain hears the punishment God has imposed, he cries out for mercy, saying “Anyone who finds me will kill me”.
How does God answer Cain? He gives mercy to him who did not have mercy on his brother. He sets a mark on Cain to protect him from being killed.
What did Cain do to earn this? Nothing. What did he deserve? Death. What did God give him? Grace.



Remember a time when you did not receive full punishment for your sin. Thank God for His mercy on you.