Unending Mercy: From Cain's Mark to the Cross and Beyond (02/28/'24) >Message

Unending Mercy: From Cain's Mark to the Cross and Beyond Hey friends, I've been reflecting on an intriguing thought that I wanted to share with you. It's about seeing the cross of Christ not just as a symbol of sacrifice, but in a way that's deeply connected to the story of Cain and Abel from the Old Testament. Remember how God placed a mark on Cain for his protection, even after he committed a grave sin? I think there's a beautiful parallel here with the cross representing God's ultimate act of mercy and forgiveness towards us. This perspective really highlights the vastness of God's grace. It's like the mark on Cain was a sign of God's willingness to protect and forgive, even when it seemed undeserved. Fast forward to the New Testament, and the cross becomes a much larger symbol of protection and salvation for all humanity. It's a powerful reminder of how God's love bridges the gap between justice and mercy, offering us a path to redemption. Reflecting on forgiveness, I'm reminded of a powerful moment in Matthew 21-22, where Peter asks Jesus, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?" And Jesus responds, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." This teaching pushes the boundaries of forgiveness, emphasizing that it's not about keeping score but about limitless grace and mercy. I find it fascinating how these stories from different times reflect the same divine principle: God's boundless mercy and His desire to save rather than to condemn. It challenges the notion of "survival of the fittest" and brings to light a divine narrative that's centered on grace and forgiveness, even to the point of offering "sevenfold forgiveness." Reflecting on Cain's story, it's not just about the punishment but also about the mercy shown by God, protecting him with a mark. This act of divine mercy is something that resonates through to the symbol of the cross - a testament to God's unending love for us. I thought this was a beautiful reminder of the depth of God's love and the breadth of His forgiveness, something that goes beyond our human understanding. It's a message of hope and redemption that's as relevant today as it was thousands of years ago. Would love to hear your thoughts on this! Pastor Steven G. Lee (February 28, 2024)