Having started a new Bible plan that is taking me through the Bible in a year once again, I am in the book of Genesis. And even after years of reading the Bible through annually, I am still discovering new things. Yesterday, I read the story of creation and at the end of each of the six days, God said the creation was good (or very good when He created man) and then the Bible tells us “So the evening and the morning were the first day.” (Genesis 1:5) This phrase is used for each of the days of creation. (Genesis 1: 8, 13, 19, 23, 31). But on the seventh day, God rested and the Bible does not close out that day with the same phrase. One of my devotionals pointed out that the reason may be that God’s rest is forever for those of us who dwell in His presence. Interesting and something new for me to ponder.

In today’s lessons, I read about Cain killing Abel and also about Adam and Eve having another son named Seth to replace their murdered son Abel. I am sure you are familiar with these stories. But did you notice (I didn’t until today) that Cain left God’s presence and went to live elsewhere. He voluntarily went away instead of asking for forgiveness or trying to get closer to God by repenting.

Cain’s bad choices had repercussions for his ancestors, too. One of his ancestors was Lamech and this is what happened to him.

Lamech also killed someone. Sin doesn’t run in families; it is not an inherited trait. But I do believe that when we leave God on the back burner and turn away from Him, not only do we suffer consequences, but so do ancestors. Unwise choices are made when God is not right there before us, loving and guiding us.

On the other hand is the family of Adam, Seth and his ancestors.

I noted in this verse that Adam knows that God is the author of life and gives God credit for giving him a new son named Seth. The relationship between Adam and God was not changed by the murder of Abel. He didn’t seem to grow bitter and turn away. Rather, he turned towards God and knew that God had given him another son.

As for Seth’s ancestors, check out this verse. They began to call on the name of the Lord. This is, of course, a long way from the Garden of Eden where Adam and Eve walked and talked with God daily. But it is definitely progress in the right direction, towards God instead of away from Him.

Each of us has this same choice. We can live our lives as if we are all that matters (thus teaching our children this falsehood, also) or we can make God a priority and set that relationship as an example for our children to follow. Their choices are their own, but we set the example and the repercussions can be far-reaching.

May each of us be aware of our choices and the effect that they have on those who come behind us.