“Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” – Genesis 4:9
Snarky – (adj.) critical or mocking in an indirect or sarcastic way, smug
Snarky is one of those words where the pronunciation fits the definition. The word “snarky” just sounds snarky. It rolls off the tongue in a way that feels unnecessarily smug. As I’m sure you’ve experienced at some point, “snark” functions as a sibling to sarcasm. Like fraternal twins, they look and act slightly different but often dress the same. They often get along with one another but rarely play well with others. Some would say they have their place and can bring a well-placed laugh to a party, but too often they just aren’t nice.
Too much much sarcasm and snark can lead to trouble; and for sure, they are to be avoided at all cost in certain situations. I can give you a whole list of times when it’s best to stay away from them. But at the top of the list, without a doubt, the number one time NOT to be snarky is when talking to God. Can I get a witness on this? I can see all of your hands go up. Yet, sarcasm is exactly the tone Cain uses when talking to God in Genesis Chapter 4. Given the context, his words and tone reveal a lot about his heart. You can almost see the cold insubordinate posture of his heart as the snark rolls off of his tongue. Wow. Who talks to God this way? Unfortunately, people like Cain still do. And those same people will bear similar consequence.
This week, as we continue our series in Genesis our sermon title is Echos of Consequence. After the entrance of sin, the world was gripped with consequence. Man and the ensuing generations would all bear the consequence of the fall. And unfortunately, no time is lost before the affects become overwhelming dark and grim.
You know the story. Cain kills Abel. But have you ever considered the lessons the Lord has for us in this account? This week, we will learn what not to do from a man who did it all wrong; and we will also learn one thing that we all must do that He did not. Take some time to read Genesis 4 and take note of the the mountain of consequences that came upon the man who snarked at God. May we do the opposite. May we come surrendered and ready to worship our God.
Be sure to listen to the worship set as you prepare for worship.
Love you, Church.
Jerry Lingenfelter
Senior Pastor
SUNDAY AM PLAN
9:00 AM – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)
9:15 AM – Worship Service On Campus & Online (Myerstown Campus)
11:00 AM – Worship Service on Campus & Online (Lancaster Campus)
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