The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 15 June 2024 – Do Not Leave The Presence Of God
TOPIC: Do Not Leave The Presence Of God
READ: Genesis 4:16-24 (NKJV)
- Then Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and dwelt in the land of Nod on the east of Eden.
- And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city, and called the name of the city after the name of his son — Enoch.
- To Enoch was born Irad; and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech.
- Then Lamech took for himself two wives: the name of one [was] Adah, and the name of the second [was] Zillah.
- And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock.
- His brother’s name [was] Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute.
- And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain [was] Naamah.
- Then Lamech said to his wives: “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice; Wives of Lamech, listen to my speech! For I have killed a man for wounding me, Even a young man for hurting me.
- If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”
THE MESSAGE:
Sin is a destroyer but God does not desire the death of a sinner. He wants every person to repent and turn to Him. Cain did not repent of his sin, instead, he “went out from the presence of the Lord, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden” (verse 16). He walked away from the Lord! He did not address the problem in his life. God says to His children “…rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repents him of the evil” (Joel 2:13). Instead of returning to God for mercy, Cain went away from the Lord. He did not realise that God was everywhere (Psalm 139:7-13).
Dear reader, God does not desire the death of a sinner but that such should repent and live. He is always merciful to forgive sins. God’s desire is for you to forsake your wicked ways and your unrighteous thoughts and come back to Him (Isaiah 55: 7). Whatever takes you away from the Lord is a weapon of destruction. You are not a candidate of eternal perdition. Ask the Lord for mercy and He will forgive you. Remember, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous (1 John 2: 1). Do not leave the presence of God!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, whatever happens, do not let me leave Your presence, Amen.
