The Story - Chapter 1 - Genesis 4

Relationships can be tricky.  We are all different; our looks, family history, and environment all help to make us who we are. Our childhood circumstances had much to do with the way we view life and deal with people. We act like we do because of the influences we encountered along the way.  We tend to reflect the ideals and standards of those we grew up with.

People are capable of amazing acts of heroism but we are also able to commit horrendous acts of violence.  We saw both in action on September 11th.  The story of Cain and Abel is one we have all heard many times, and it is so sad to think murder could have happened so early in the history of the world.

A big part of handling our relationships is knowing how and when to admit we are wrong.  Because of the sin of Adam and Eve we will struggle with sin and therefore in our relationships.  We will make mistakes but there is always an opportunity to make things right with those we have wronged. We don’t know what Cain did to displease God, but we do know that God gave him a chance to make it right.

“God spoke to Cain: "Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won't you be accepted? And if you don't do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it's out to get you, you've got to master it." (Genesis 4:6-7 MSG)

Cain refused to listen to God. It would seem he could not bear to admit his wrong doing.  Pride got in the way.  Pride is a factor in our sinful lives today.  Our pride gets in the way when we need to make amends to someone we have wronged. Prideful behavior isolates us from others, from healthy and loving relationships.  Pride is another word for arrogance.  An arrogant heart is a cold heart and can only be warmed at the hearth of humility.

Read Genesis 4 here

Listen to Genesis 4 here

Cain Murders Abel - Genesis 4

When I read through Genesis 4, I was reminded of a time when I was just a teen and my parents told me I had to watch my little brother.  I remember being rather sassy about the whole thing and asked the question, "What, am I my brother's keeper?"  I quickly learned that, yep, in this case I was.  I won't go into the gory details here, but you can imagine a parent's response to a challenge like this one.

The interesting thing is I felt I was the one being unjustly saddled with a responsibility that belonged elsewhere.  How many times in life do I put on that same selfish attitude?  How many times do I feel your problems and difficulties are just that, yours--not mine.  I wonder too, how often my help could have made things easier for you to bear. 

I will consider faces I haven't seen for some time and just as quickly dismiss them from my mind.  Does God want me to connect with them?  Am I my brother''s keeper?  Then too, I remember my neighbors who don't have a church home, what am I suppose to do?  Am I my brother's keeper?  

These questions remind me of the scripture verses in Genesis 4:9-10. 

"Then the Lord said to Cain, "Where is your brother, Abel?"

"I don't know," he replied.  "Am I my brother's keeper?"

The Lord said, "What have you done?  Listen!  Your brother's blood cried out to me from the ground."



Read all of Genesis 4 at Biblegateway.

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