Thought for week ending 26 September

 

Genesis 4:7

⁶ Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? ⁷ If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”

The story of Cain and Abel found in Genesis Chapter 4 v1-16 is one of the earliest and most symbolic narratives in the Bible.  It deals with themes of human nature, sin, jealousy, free will, justice and God’s relationship with humanity.

Cain and Abel were brothers, the first children of Adam and Eve.  Abel loved God and gave Him the best sheep he had.  Cain also gave an offering – some food from his farm but not his best food.

God was happy with Abel’s gift, but not with Cain’s.  Cain got jealous and angry and instead of talking to God or fixing his mistake, he hurt his brother.  He killed him.

God asked Cain, “Where is your brother?” but Cain lied and said “Am I my brother’s keeper?”  God knew what had happened.  He punished Cain, but He also showed mercy and did not let others hurt him. 

Some of the lessons from the story:-

God sees your heart not just your actions.  It’s not just about what you give to God but why and how you do it.  Abel gave with love and trust.  Cain gave, but maybe just to “tick a box” or compare himself to his brother.

Jealousy is dangerous – If your jealous or angry, talk to God or someone you trust before it gets worse. Cain got jealous because Abel did the right thing.  Instead of trying to do better, Cain let his anger grow until it turned to violence.

We ae Our Brother’s Keeper – As Christians i.e., followers of Jesus, we are called to love and care for others.  Cain asked “Am I my brother’s keeper” – but the Christian answer is always YES.  We are supposed to look out for one another and not hurt one another.

God warns before we do wrong – God warned Cain “Sin is crouching at your door, but you must rule over it.”  God gave Cain a chance to choose right but Cain ignored it.  When you feel lie doing something wrong, remember, you can choose God’s way.  He gives us strength to do what is right.

God is Just but also merciful – God’s love is bigger than our biggest mistake, but we still need to take responsibility.  God punished Cain, but He did not destroy him.  Even when we get things badly wrong, God does not give up on us.

Prayer:  

Heavenly Father, you are the God who sees the heart.  In the story of Cain and Abel, you remind us that worship is not just about what we bring, but how we bring it.  With humility, love and obedience  Lord teach us to offer our lives to you.  Guard us from envy, bitterness and resentment.  Where there is brokenness in our relationships  between brothers, sisters, family or friends, we pray that you would bring reconciliation and peace.  May we remember that even in judgement, you do not forget compassion.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.