The Worst Punishment

Genesis 3 & 4, Matthew 2:13-3:6, Psalm 2, Proverbs 1:7-9

“My punishment is more than I can bear. Today you are driving me from the land, and I will be hidden from your presence…So Cain went out from the LORD’S presence” (Gen. 4:13,14, 16 TNIV).

Sin is a deceptive thing. When we are being tempted, it appears to be just what we want most at the time. It promises knowledge or pleasure or revenge. Sometimes we think nobody will ever know if I… However, all sin has one common consequence. It separates us from God’s presence. That is the most severe consequence of all. God’s presence is the source of all real life and joy.

Fortunately, God has made a way for us to be brought back into His presence. Today we experience His presence, but it’s more like talking with Him when He is in the next room with the door closed. We know He’s there, but it isn’t like sitting at the table drinking lemonade together. When we give our lives to Jesus, we can look forward to the day when we will sit and talk with Him face to face. We will never be separated from Him again.

Father God, we want to take time to be in Your presence every day. Still, we look forward to the day we will sit at Your table and see You with our eyes, hear Your voice with our own ears, and actually feel You hug us. Lord Jesus, come soon and end this separation. Amen.