[Genesis 3-4]

H – Genesis 4:26b, “At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.”

E – What does it take to call on His name?

I couldn’t help but pose that question to myself. It’s the first instance in God’s Word that you see someone or a group of people call upon the name of the LORD. It was a pivotal moment in history. There had been a lot of heartache and hurt due to the turning away from the truths of God’s declarations from the beginning of humanity. 

Adam and Eve turned away from His truths, giving in to deception, hiding themselves from the presence of God in great sin and shame. Cain disregarded God’s truths by not giving the LORD his best and hardening his heart against his brother, killing him, being sent away from the presence of God. Lamech continued in this selfish rebellion (until Genesis 5:29-29) by beginning polygamy and allowing another to provoke him to the point of murder as well, even to the point of celebrating his sin. What a great family heritage. Yet, there was one that came to their senses, Seth. 

While still living with great remorse and hurt after Abel’s death, Eve gave birth to another son named Seth. This son was different than his brothers. He had heard about the beginning, the fall, and now humanity’s rebellion from the presence of God. So, when it came time for his son, Enosh, to be born he wasn’t content in the way things had gone. Maybe it was time to listen to the LORD’s Words. To get to that point he had to call upon Him.

What is interesting is the word call also means “to proclaim,” which refers to men testifying about God to one another. It was through Seth’s family that organized, corporate worship of the one true God began to enter the fallen world. Think on this…. It only took one person to call upon the name of the LORD. It only took one person to break the bondage of generational sins.  It only took one person to say enough is enough. It only tool one person to realize there was more to life than what was handed down. It only took one person to set a new precedent of how a family should walk out the LORD’s truths and proclaim them. 

Here is the picture; there is hope for sinful humanity. All we have to do is call upon His great name.

What will it take for you to call upon the LORD? Will you be that person?

A – I have found myself over and over again running away from the presence of the Lord by doing things my way. I have found myself in the predicament of doing things because others did them. But, what a great reminder of the love of God and hope when we call upon His name. 

May that be my application. Never cease to call upon and proclaim His name. 

R – Lord God, thank you for hope. Thank you for not giving up on sinful humanity. You are so good and gracious. Your mercy is unending. Lord, help me to slow down, humble myself, call upon your name, and proclaim it to those you put into my path. 

In Jesus Name!