May 7, 2018 - Suggested Reading Genesis 4 for the Mother’s Day message from Psalm 86 “save me, because I serve you just as my mother did”

“Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time people began to call on the name of the LORD.”

Genesis 4:26 (NIV)

Humanists who believe in the inherent good of humanity, and its built-in ability to advance itself through cooperative efforts must reject the truths in this chapter, for it reveals city life, at the very beginning of human existence on earth. Sceptics of the veracity of Scripture scoffingly ask “Who did Cain marry?” as if Scripture’s silence on that insignificant question somehow renders all of Scripture null and void. But for those of us who seek God and truth in His Word, this chapter contains a fascinating description of the elements that are present in every advanced society.

Cain builds a city, and 6 generations of his descendants are listed with special mention of a son named Lamech. This Lamech had sons who were the fathers of all who keep herds (farmers feed cities), who make music (think symphony), and who make tools (oh the tools we have today). The record of Cain’s descendants ends with a cryptic song about killing an enemy, a song about Lamech’s strength and ability to overcome - speaking about the ability of humans to look after themselves. No doubt Cain’s descendants needed to sing songs about being able to look after themselves for they had been driven from God’s Presence and blessing.

 Then the bible moves to Seth and his descendants but inserts a note after his first son Enosh that this family line of humans began to call on the name of the LORD. We will not hear any more about Cain’s descendants - though we will continue to cluster together in cities and enjoy food from herdsmen, and enjoy music from musicians and enjoy the wonderful life that tools bring- for the rest of the Bible is the account of the humans who called on the Name of the LORD. These humans knew that they needed more than food, music and tools - they knew that they needed the wonderful Presence of the LORD in their lives.

Friend what about us today?

 Do we have all we need?

Do we sing the song of Lamech?

Or - have we called on the Name of the LORD already this morning?