Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“The Lord said to Cain, ‘Why are you angry, and why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; its desire is for you, but you must master it.’”
NL Daily Devotion for Monday, September 14, 2020
by Daniel D. Maurer, Clergy Stuff
Today’s reading is so chock full of meaning and directions I could go, that I’m sure I could easily fill several paper reams with commentary.
The story of Cain and Abel is an old one (it’s from Genesis in the Bible, of course it’s old). Sometimes we pass over the details though when we re-read these stories.
“You must master it . . “ More often than not, a person’s sin isn’t something that smacks us in the face as something blatantly diabolical or malicious. It’s more likely that a temptation comes in slowly, and sneaky. We make excuses, compromises. We say to ourselves, “Well, he had it coming, anyway!”
Mastering one’s sin cannot be done without the help of God. Whether it be fending off that creeping temptation for the next piece of chocolate or wanting to murder our boss. Cain gave in to his desire, thinking that he knew better than God. Of course, he was wrong, and the lesson was exile.
Our challenge today is to ask ourselves how we might master our own sins, not without God’s help, but in light of that, without God, we don’t stand a chance.
God, without you I am lost. With you, I always find the right path. Guide me today. Amen.
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