These chapters describe the consequences of the rebellion of our first parents. The very first person born into the human race became a murderer—of his own brother! He was motivated by jealousy concerning a religious question. Yet God was gracious even to Cain, marking him in some way so people would not kill him. There follows a listing of the descendants of a third son of Adam and Eve named Seth. People in those days lived very long lives, perhaps because the physical consequences of sin had not yet done as much damage as they do at present. Sin has its further tragic consequences. The whole human race, with the exception of one family, was living in sinful ways so repugnant to God that he decided to give the race a chance for renewal by wiping out sinners through a flood so extensive that none would survive. But again, grace is mingled with judgment. God instructed Noah to provide a refuge from the flood. Noah spends a long time building the ark. One can imagine the ridicule of Noah’s unbelieving neighbors as he proceeds to obey God. Following the instructions of God, Noah gathers his family and the animals into the ark, and the flood comes. PRAYER Father, we grieve as we see the tragic consequences of sin. May many turn to you for refuge. In Jesus’ name. Amen.