Family Identity – Genesis 4:17-26

Family Identity – Genesis 4:17-26

Family Identity – Genesis 4:17-26

Genesis chapters 4 and 5 contrast two different families, one characterized by vengeance, the other by mercy. We naturally don’t want justice, we want to one up and outdo anyone who dares mistreat us. Yet instead of seeking retaliation and revenge Jesus calls us to love, forgiveness and grace because that is what He has shown us. In this sermon Pastor David contrast the vengeful words of Lamech with the merciful words of Jesus, noting that God’s vengeance is restrained and perfectly just, but Lamech’s revenge is out of control and over the top. God’s justice is perfectly appropriate, but His mercy is overflowing.

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.” 25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.

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