Genesis 4:25-5:23
“AND she [Eve] bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.” v. 25.
While Cain had many descendants, some of whom are named in the 4th chapter and whose worldly ways we have already considered, Abel apparently had raised no family at the time of his death. He reminds us of the Lord in this respect, of whom the prophet Isaiah said: “Who shall declare His generation? for He was cut off out of the land of the living.” Isaiah 53:8.
Nonetheless, God was still looking graciously on Adam and Eve, and another son was born to them whose name, Seth, means “substitute” or “appointed.” Seth is a type of Christ, the divine substitute for us before God and, as Abel speaks of the Lord put to death by the world, Seth speaks of Him in resurrection. In due time he too had a son whom he named Enos, meaning “mortal” or, “subject to death.” It is recorded: “Then began men to call upon the name of the Lord.” v. 26.
This presents a picture of God’s purposes in grace toward man, in spite of his sinful nature, these purposes to be fulfilled in His own beloved Son. First, we have Abel slain, leaving no children; then Seth speaks of resurrection, carrying on the testimony; after this we find in Seth’s family those who walked before God. There were those of this family who followed in the faith of Abel and brought forth fruit acceptable to Him.
It was during this period that some men lived to an amazing length of years. Adam himself lived to be 930; Seth 912; Jared—of the same line—962, etc. It was also in these early years of mankind that mention made of Enoch, the great-grandfather of Noah. Enoch is of particular interest because, although subject to the death that marked all mankind through Adam’s fall, yet he left the world without going through death, Proof of the pronouncement of death had already appeared in Abel, murdered by his brother; and in Adam, dying at an advanced age. However, although death is stamped on all Adam’s race, in Enoch in type there is for the children of God who walk in faith, the hope of being taken to heaven without dying.
Hebrews 11:5 states: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
At this present time God finds pleasure in beholding the fruits of His grace, His people, purchased with the blood of His Son, who is soon coming to call them from earth to heaven.
“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:16,17.
Memory Verse: “HE THAT SPARED NOT HIS OWN SON, BUT DELIVERED HIM UP FOR US ALL, HOW SHALL HE NOT WITH HIM ALSO FREELY GIVE US ALL THINGS?” Romans 8:32.
ML-08/30/1964