THE FAST - Day 16

Monday, January 22



New Beginnings

Genesis‬ ‭4‬:‭20‬-‭22 (NKJV)
”And Adah bore Jabal. He was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. His brother’s name was Jubal. He was the father of all those who play the harp and flute. And as for Zillah, she also bore Tubal-Cain, an instructor of every craftsman in bronze and iron. And the sister of Tubal-Cain was Naamah.”

Devotion

Just eight generations from Adam, a creative culture is blossoming here in Genesis 4. Human beings, made in the image of the Creator God, are beginning to express their creativity, inspired by the culture of heaven. We find three sons, Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-Cain. 

They were each known as the fathers of herdsmen (Jabal), music (Jubal), and blacksmiths (Tubal-Cain). Unfortunately, these young men did not have a godly example set up for them by their fathers. 

Their great-grandfather was Cain, who murdered his brother Abel in the garden. In verse 16 of Genesis 4, we are told that Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, that is, he willingly renounced God so that he might not be under the Lord’s precepts. Their grandfather forsook Adam's family and God’s altar. Their father, Lamech was also wicked and a murderer. Despite all this God birthed these three gifts out of the sons. The most important of which is worship through the son, Jubal. 

These young men may have been of the same name as Cain and Lamech, but they were not of the same character. Each of these young men’s names has the meaning of “bringing forth, a stream.” Out of this broken family, God still brought forth life and creativity. No matter what your family situation or setback is, be encouraged that God can birth new beginnings for you and your family today. Keep pressing and keep moving forward in obedience to God. 

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the blood of Jesus that can redeem me from the empty way of life handed down by my forefathers. I pray that the waters of baptism would put to death not only my old man but the natural inheritances of my ancestors to the third and fourth generations. I put to death my past so that I can live for Jesus. And since I ask You to put to death all this natural inheritance, I pray that You would bring forth new things in me and through me that will bless many generations in following Jesus. In the name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. 

Apply It Today

Redemption from sin through Jesus Christ includes being redeemed from “the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors (1 Peter 1:18).” When people trace their ancestry, some feel good when they find a “hero” or bad when they find a distressing connection. We all come from a sinful human race. You don’t want to latch on to that inheritance. Ask God to make you aware of the empty ways He is calling you out of. Be willing to be separate from those ways and know that God calls you to be His child (2 Corinthians 6:17).  

Resources:

  • THE FAST - Day 16 Prayer Focus; Pray For Generosity. (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
  • As we begin the final week of the Fast, watch the message, "Create Your Own Worship", by Pastor Jentezen, and learn to live a life of praise, regardless of the circumstances.