Genesis 4: 10: God knows.

“10 The Lord said, ‘What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground. “

Maybe Cain hoped to hide what he had done, as many murderers have done since. But nothing happens behind God’s back. He knows and He cares.

God knows all the martyrs, even if they have been cruelly despatched, and their bodies hidden away, as was Abel’s (Revelation 6:9-11).

It’s surely significant to note that the first righteous man (or man of faith) in the Bible, became a target of attack precisely because of His walk before God. He was ‘’persecuted for righteousness sake’’ (Matthew 5: 10-12). He was murdered; in fact, you could say he was martyred. This is the beginning of persecution.

From this point onwards, all people of faith and good works, who follow in Abel’s line, are to know that they cannot expect an easy ride from the ‘Cain’s’ of this world. We should not be surprised if we are abused, and if we experience hostility for HIS Name’s sake. We may well be called on to pay the ultimate price out of loyalty to Jesus.

PRAYER: These are sobering thoughts Lord. None of us like the thought of facing extreme persecution. But may we never lack the courage to stand up for you.