The Beginning of Calling Upon the Name of the Lord
Genesis 4:26 (KJV)
“And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.”
The Place Where It All Began
Genesis 4:26 marks a profound moment in human history—the first recorded instance of men collectively calling upon the name of the Lord. This was not just a personal prayer or isolated worship; it was the beginning of humanity’s recognition of their need for a Creator, their frailty, and their dependence on God.
To understand this significant turning point, we must first explore what happened leading up to it. The story of the two lines—the line of Cain and the line of Seth—reveals two diverging spiritual realities. The pride and self-reliance of Cain’s descendants contrast sharply with the humility and dependence on God demonstrated by Seth’s lineage.
As we delve into this passage, we will explore:
1. The pride of humanity in the line of Cain.
2. The humility and spiritual awakening in the line of Seth.
3. The significance of the birth of Enos and what it reveals about humanity’s mortality.
4. The deeper meaning of calling on the name of the Lord.
5. The lessons this holds for us today.
1. The Line of Cain: A Picture of Pride and Separation
To understand the significance of calling on the name of the Lord, we must first examine the spiritual condition of the world at that time. Cain’s descendants embodied pride, self-reliance, and separation from God.
The Pride of Cain
The pride of man often blinds them to their need for God, and this was evident in the story of Cain. After rejecting God’s instructions regarding sacrifice, Cain’s pride led to anger, jealousy, and ultimately murder.
• Genesis 4:3-5 (KJV):
“And in process of time it came to pass, that Cain brought of the fruit of the ground an offering unto the LORD. And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering: But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect.”
Cain’s refusal to humble himself before God caused his heart to harden, and his sin spiraled out of control. Instead of repenting, Cain killed his brother Abel (Genesis 4:8). His pride severed his relationship with God and set the tone for his descendants.
The Corruption of Cain’s Descendants
Cain’s lineage continued to exemplify the consequences of pride and separation from God:
• Self-Reliance: Cain built a city (Genesis 4:17), suggesting a desire for self-sufficiency and human achievement apart from God.
• Violence: Lamech, a descendant of Cain, boasted of killing a man and declared himself above God’s justice.
• Genesis 4:23-24 (KJV):
“And Lamech said unto his wives, Adah and Zillah, Hear my voice; ye wives of Lamech, hearken unto my speech: for I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.”
In Cain’s line, we see the pride of man reaching its peak—a society advancing in worldly pursuits while drifting further from God. This pattern reflects the human condition in every generation: pride leads to spiritual blindness.
2. The Line of Seth: A Picture of Humility and Hope
Strengths of the Line of Seth
The line of Seth, as revealed in Scripture, stands in stark contrast to the line of Cain. While Cain’s descendants pursued self-reliance, pride, and separation from God, Seth’s lineage demonstrates faithfulness, righteousness, and a steadfast relationship with the Creator. The strengths of Seth’s line highlight the importance of obedience, worship, and a godly legacy that ultimately leads to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan in Christ.
1. Faithfulness to God
Seth and his descendants are marked by a return to faithfulness and reverence for God. This faithfulness is evident from the moment his line is established, with the naming of Enos and the beginning of public worship. Seth’s family line consistently sought to align themselves with God’s will, setting a standard for righteous living.
• Genesis 4:26 (KJV):
“And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.”
This faithfulness was not merely a personal choice but became a defining characteristic of Seth’s lineage, demonstrating the importance of generational faithfulness to God.
2. Righteous Legacy(WALKING WITH GOD GENERATION)
The line of Seth includes individuals who were renowned for their righteousness and close relationship with God, such as Enoch and Noah. Enoch, in particular, is described as someone who “walked with God,” showing an intimate and unwavering faith.
• Genesis 5:24 (KJV):
“And Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.”
Noah, another prominent figure in Seth’s line, was described as a righteous man in a generation filled with wickedness.
• Genesis 6:9 (KJV):
“Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God.”
These individuals highlight the righteousness that marked Seth’s descendants, contrasting sharply with the corruption of Cain’s lineage.
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Continuation of the Godly Line
Seth was appointed by God as a replacement for Abel, ensuring the continuation of a godly lineage. Abel’s life was cut short by Cain, but God’s purposes were not thwarted. Through Seth, the godly seed was preserved, and humanity’s hope for redemption remained intact.
• Genesis 4:25 (KJV):
“For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.”
Seth’s line stands as a testimony to God’s sovereignty in ensuring that His plan for redemption would continue despite human sin.
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Obedience to God
Seth’s descendants demonstrated obedience to God’s will, even in the midst of a corrupt and wicked world. This obedience is most clearly seen in Noah, who followed God’s instructions to build the ark and preserve life during the flood.
• Genesis 6:22 (KJV):
“Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.”
Obedience was a hallmark of Seth’s lineage, showing their commitment to God’s purposes even in difficult circumstances.
5. God’s Covenant
The covenant relationship with God was preserved through Seth’s descendants. This covenant ultimately culminated in Noah, with whom God established a new covenant after the flood.
• Genesis 9:9 (KJV):
“And I, behold, I establish my covenant with you, and with your seed after you.”
This covenant relationship extended beyond Noah, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan in Jesus Christ, who was born through the line of Seth.
6. Emphasis on Righteous Living
Key figures in Seth’s lineage, such as Enoch and Noah, exemplified righteous living. Their lives were marked by obedience, faith, and a close relationship with God. Enoch’s walk with God was so intimate that God took him directly into His presence, bypassing death.
• Hebrews 11:5 (KJV):
“By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”
Noah’s righteousness likewise set him apart in a world consumed by sin, showing the impact of a life lived in alignment with God’s will.
7. Perseverance Through Tribulation
Seth’s descendants endured the increasing wickedness and corruption of the world around them, remaining faithful to God. This perseverance culminated in Noah, who survived the judgment of the flood and became the father of a renewed humanity.
• Genesis 6:8 (KJV):
“But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”
The faithfulness of Seth’s line through tribulation reminds us that God sustains His people even in the darkest times.
8. Blessing of the Messianic Line
Perhaps the greatest strength of Seth’s lineage is its role in God’s redemptive plan. The line of Seth is part of the genealogy of Christ, who came to bring salvation to the world. This blessing underscores the importance of faithfulness and obedience in God’s overarching plan for humanity.
• Luke 3:38 (KJV):
“Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.”
Through Seth’s line, the promise of redemption given in Genesis 3:15 was fulfilled, showing the central role of this godly lineage in God’s purposes.
What bought this turning point?
The turning point in the line of Seth came through a profound realization: the recognition of humanity’s mortality and dependence on God. This awakening began with the birth of Enos, whose name means “mortal” or “frail,” reminding humanity of their finite nature and the infinite greatness of their Creator. Realization, however, cannot come without truth, and the Word declares, “You shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). The truth revealed here was that man is not self-sufficient; they are dust, and life is only sustained by the grace of God. When this truth was grasped, it shattered the pride of man, opening the door to repentance and a renewed relationship with God. This realization drove them to call upon the name of the Lord, an act of humility and faith that brought spiritual revival. It is the same for us today—when we encounter the truth of God’s Word and recognize our need for Him, it breaks the chains of pride, leading us into repentance, freedom, and a life fully dependent on His grace. True transformation begins when we see ourselves in light of His truth and respond by turning back to Him.
It was this awareness of mortality and human frailty that broke the pride of man. When humanity recognized their limitations, they turned to God, leading to the beginning of collective worship and prayer.
• Psalm 103:14 (KJV):
“For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.”
3. What It Means to Call Upon the Name of the Lord
The phrase “call upon the name of the Lord” signifies more than just prayer—it is a declaration of dependence, worship, and submission to God. Let us explore its meaning in greater depth:
1. Acknowledgment of God’s Sovereignty
Calling upon the Lord begins with the recognition that God is sovereign and worthy of worship. In Genesis 4:26, humanity turned their attention from themselves to their Creator.
• Psalm 145:18 (KJV):
“The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.”
2. Dependence on God
The birth of Enos symbolized humanity’s realization of their need for God. This act of calling on God reflects humility and a reliance on Him for guidance, provision, and salvation.
• Psalm 50:15 (KJV):
“And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.”
3. Public Worship
Genesis 4:26 marks the beginning of corporate worship. This was a public acknowledgment of God, contrasting the self-reliance of Cain’s descendants.
• Psalm 116:17 (KJV):
“I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving, and will call upon the name of the LORD.”
4. Repentance and Turning to God
Calling upon the name of the Lord also involves repentance—a turning away from sin and toward God. The pride of man was broken in the realization of mortality, leading to a heartfelt cry for God’s mercy.
• Joel 2:32 (KJV):
“And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered.”
4. The Importance of Prayer in Every Generation
The beginning of calling upon the name of the Lord teaches us the vital role of prayer in maintaining a relationship with God. Here are key spiritual truths about prayer:
Prayer Acknowledges Our Need for God
Prayer begins when we, like Enos’s generation, recognize our human frailty and turn to God. Pride blinds us to our need for Him, but humility opens the door to His presence.
• Isaiah 57:15 (KJV):
“For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.”
Prayer Is a Response to God’s Sovereignty
When we call upon the Lord, we acknowledge His authority and submit to His will. Prayer is not just about asking—it is about aligning ourselves with God’s purposes.
• Matthew 6:10 (KJV):
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Prayer Invites God’s Intervention
Prayer connects us to God’s power and invites His intervention in our lives. Through prayer, we can experience deliverance, healing, and restoration.
• Jeremiah 33:3 (KJV):
“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”
Prayer Builds Intimacy with God
Calling on the name of the Lord is not just an act of worship; it is a way of cultivating intimacy with God. Through prayer, we draw closer to Him and deepen our relationship with Him.
• James 4:8 (KJV):
“Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”
5. Lessons for Today’s Generation
The story of Seth, Enos, and the beginning of calling on the name of the Lord holds timeless truths for us:
1. Recognize Our Frailty: Just as Enos’s generation realized their mortality, we too must humble ourselves and acknowledge our need for God. Humanity’s pride today is no different from that of Cain’s descendants—it blinds us to the reality of God.
2. Turn from Pride to Humility: Pride leads to separation from God, but humility opens the door to His grace.
• 1 Peter 5:6 (KJV):
“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.”
3. Call on the Name of the Lord: Just as Seth’s descendants began to seek God through worship and prayer, we too are called to depend on Him in every aspect of our lives.
4. Teach Future Generations: The legacy of faith began with Seth and continued through his descendants. We are called to pass on a legacy of prayer and worship to the next generation.
A Call to Call Upon the Name of the Lord
Genesis 4:26 reminds us of the profound truth that humanity is utterly dependent on God. When pride is broken, and we realize our mortality, we are drawn to call upon the name of the Lord. This act of worship and submission is the foundation of a thriving relationship with God.
Today, let us follow the example of Seth’s descendants and humble ourselves before the Lord. Let us call upon His name with sincerity, worship, and dependence, knowing that He hears and answers.
• Romans 10:13 (KJV):
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Let this be the generation that calls on the name of the Lord, seeking His presence, power, and purpose. Amen.
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