God was clear when he spoke to Adam and Eve after their sin, that one of the consequences would be conflict within human relationships. Here in chapter 4, we read about the worst result of conflict – a man takes his brother’s life.

Within one generation, sin had spread and worsened its effects. The fall was not just something that happened to Adam and Eve. It was something that happened to them, their children, and all the generations of mankind that have followed. We know from our own lives how sin so easily leads to sin. We do something wrong. We lie to cover up what we did. We lie again to protect the first lie. Sin spreads like an infection.

One of the consequences of Adam and Eve’s sin was that they became separated from God. This separation was their own action – they hid away from him in the garden. It was also God’s action – he made them leave the garden and leave their intimacy with him because of the sin they had brought into themselves and the world.

This separation is emphasised again in the Lord’s dealings with Cain. One of the consequences is that Cain must be put out of the tribe and go away from the Lord’s presence. Sin separates us from God. It puts a barrier between us and the Lord.

The Lord sent Adam, Eve and Cain away from his presence because of their sin. But today, through Jesus, he invites us into his presence, despite our sin. If we choose to hide, then it is our action that continues the separation. How often do people stop coming to church because of sin in their lives? Or stop praying? If we find ourselves in sin today, our choice can be to run towards God, not hide away from him, because the sacrifice of Jesus has removed the separation caused by sin. Let us run to him!

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH