Tuesday in Lent — Open Word

FIRST READING

Genesis 4:1-16

Verse 1. And Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man,” she said. Verse 2. Later she gave birth to Cain’s brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, while Cain was a tiller of the soil. Verse 3. So in the course of time, Cain brought some of the fruit of the soil as an offering to the LORD, Verse 4. while Abel brought the best portions of the firstborn of his flock. And the LORD looked with favor on Abel and his offering, Verse 5. but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. Verse 6. “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? Verse 7. If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” Verse 8. Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Verse 9. And the LORD said to Cain, “Where is your brother Abel?” “I do not know!” he answered. “Am I my brother’s keeper?” Verse 10. “What have you done?” replied the LORD. “The voice of your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground. Verse 11. Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. Verse 12. When you till the ground, it will no longer yield its produce to you. You will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” Verse 13. But Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. Verse 14. Behold, this day You have driven me from the face of the earth, and from Your face I will be hidden; I will be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” Verse 15. “Not so!” replied the LORD. “If anyone slays Cain, then Cain will be avenged sevenfold.” And the LORD placed a mark on Cain, so that no one who found him would kill him. Verse 16. So Cain went out from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

PSALM

Psalm 32

Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him, in whose spirit there is no deceit.

When I kept silent, my bones became brittle from my groaning all day long.

For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was drained as in the summer heat.

Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin.

Therefore let all the godly pray to You while You may be found. Surely when great waters rise, they will not come near.

You are my hiding place. You protect me from trouble; You surround me with songs of deliverance.

I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go; I will give you counsel and watch over you.

Do not be like the horse or mule, which have no understanding; they must be controlled with bit and bridle to make them come to you.

Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but loving devotion surrounds him who trusts in the LORD.

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, O righteous ones; shout for joy, all you upright in heart.

SECOND READING

Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Text not available in the Berean Standard Bible.