The Daily Word: Friday, December 3rd, 2021
Daniel 11:2-35
1 John 3:7-24
Psalm 122:1-9
Proverbs 29:1
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. – 1 Jn. 3:11-12
Cain and Abel had the same parents. They grew up in the same generation, with access to the same resources. But Abel is remembered as “righteous” while Cain was “of the wicked one.” Notice here that Scripture does not just target Cain’s behavior, but his character. So where did Cain go wrong? How did one of two brothers veer so horribly wrong off the right path?
The direction you head in life is determined by the voices you allow to influence you. Cain was “very angry” because Abel was succeeding in life. God tried to intervene!
So the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.” – Gen. 4:6-7
But Cain didn’t listen to God. He didn’t believe that sin could ever overpower him. He chose to ignore God’s word, and listened to the impulsive actions Satan was encouraging him to take instead. Cain killed Abel; and he was shut out of heaven as a result. But the real Cain died long before Abel. The real Cain died when he stopped listening to God, and Satan took over instead.
There is such a thing as good and evil. Jesus is real, whether you choose to believe in Him or not (if you choose not to believe in gravity, does that mean it no longer applies to you?). And your adversary, Satan, is also real. So, to whom will you listen? Whom will you allow to speak into your life? Sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it. You don’t have to listen to the lies of the enemy. You can choose the voice of God instead.
Prayer:
Father, I reject the lies of Satan in Jesus’ name! Instead, I receive the word of God. I am so thankful for Your voice, Lord! Speak to me. I am listening. I know that I am loved and accepted by You, and I will be forever grateful as a result, in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.