January 4 readings

While surveying today's readings in Genesis, I Chronicles, Psalms and Luke, I see the varied response by people to God. On the positive side we have Abel (whose sacrifice was from "the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions"), Jabez (who "was more honorable than his brothers") Mary (who "treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart" upon hearing the shepherd's message) and David's confident prayer despite difficult circumstances.

On the negative side we have Cain whose poor attitude was displayed by his jealous response to God's favor of Abel, his murder of his brother, then his callous and unrepentant response to God when questioned. Abel begets the likes of Lamech who murders a young man for a minor injury and claims God's protection even more secure than what God offered Cain.

To top off these reactions we see the culminating event of the day are two births The first is the third son of Eve who replaces the murdered Abel and the cursed Cain: Seth. Through her seed the serpent will be defeated. Then we go to Luke where 2000 years later Jesus is born of a teenage girl in a stable surrounded by shepherds and animals. This humble origin is the hope of the world. He does not disappoint. he is the hope of Cain and Lamech and their victims. He is the hope of Eve and Adam and David who prayed confidently.

3 But you, O Lord, are a shield about me,
my glory, and the lifter of my head.
4 I cried aloud to the Lord,
and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah

5 I lay down and slept;
I woke again, for the Lord sustained me.
6 I will not be afraid of many thousands of people
who have set themselves against me all around.

7 Arise, O Lord!
Save me, O my God!
For you strike all my enemies on the cheek;
you break the teeth of the wicked.

8 Salvation belongs to the Lord;
your blessing be on your people!
Psalms 3:3-8

He is our hope today as well so we can pray along with David.