THEN MEN BEGAN TO CALL UPON THE NAME OF THE LORD

Text: Genesis 4: 17 - 26

Scripture: verse 26 And to Seth to him also was born a son and he called his name Enos, then men began to call upon the name of the Lord

It is very sad to note that many years and generations after Adam and Eve, people rarely recognized God. Rather, they focused on doing what they liked, disregarding God's Judgement. In verse 17, we see Cain's preoccupation. He conceived and bare Enoch and he built a city and called the name of the city after his son, Enoch. His intent might not readily meet the eye but look at how Psalm 49:11-12 describes his action: "their inward thought is that they will continue forever and their dwelling place to all generations; they call their lands after their own names". He forgets that man even though he is in honour will abide not, but must like the beast perish".

All generations of Cain continued to live life at their own terms without regarding God. Its obvious that God saw his incorrigibility and decided to bless Eve with another child, through whom he will continue the human race. Hence, in verse 25, when Eve put to bed, Seth,  she rejoiced and said "God has appointed me another seed in place of Abel". And then verse 26 comes with the good news that it is during the time of Enosh her grandson through Seth, that men began to call upon the name of the lord.

Now, what does it mean to call upon the name of the name of the lord?  This is when men remember their creator and his importance in their lives. Psalm 116:17 says; they begin to lift up God's name in prayer. In Joel 2:23 it means to cry and weep for their sins and ask the lord to have mercy.  Zephaniah 2:11 tells us that it refers to when people serve God with one content. But most importantly, Acts 2:21 assures us that anyone who calls upon the name of the lord shall be saved. 

And today, even now, as many as call upon the name of the son, Christ Jesus, and believe in their hearts that he is the son of God who redeems the world from the sin of Adam, they are recognized as saints. Why? because they have become a new specie, sanctified unto every good work. The question however is, how do you call upon the name of the lord; in truth and in spirit or in lies and hypocrisies? The foundation of God stands firm having this seal: let everyone who name the name of the lord depart from iniquity. 

PRAYER: Father, we thank you that your mercy and love last forever, if not  man's redemption would have been a forgotten issue. But in every generation, you appoint a way of escape to those who are willing to be saved. Grant that we to whom the incarnation of your son Jesus was made known and also his death and resurrection may never trivialize the opportunity you have given us to call upon your name. Thank you Father even as we pray in Jesus name. Amen!