It has often seemed that the book of Genesis is about one great big dysfunctional family. While there are many positive truths to see, it is also possible to look at Genesis and say, "This is how not to do family." The parents of the Genesis story are not role models. The family dynamics set forth in the stories are not to be envied. Instead of trying to make everyone of those earlier patriarchs and their families look good, we see example after example of sibling rivalry at its worst.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the 4th chapter of Genesis where we find the story that has those memorable words, "...Cain rose up against his brother Abel, and killed him." (Genesis 4:8) The moment had likely been stewing for a long time and came to a boiling point when both brothers made an offering to God. Abel's offering was acceptable and Cain's was not. As we read the Word, it seems that there was nothing special about the gift or the giving of Cain who "brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground." In contrast Abel "...brought of the firstlings of his flock, the fat portions." Cain seems to be giving out of the spirit which says, "anything will do," while Abel's gifts speaks of the spirit of "only the best will do." Whatever the reason, Abel's gift was accepted by God and Cain's was not.
The rejection was the final straw and sent the older brother into a killing rage. He was angry at God so he killed his brother. It is not an uncommon thing for us to act with misplaced anger. While it is often hard to admit, we do sometimes get angry at God. We get angry at God for what He has done and sometimes for what He has not done. Admitting our anger at Him to Him is not something we do easily so we end up lashing out at some unsuspecting soul who has no idea what caused the rage. But, here is the truth. God can handle it. He can hear our anger and it will not change His love and acceptance of us. He will continue to provide for our future just as he did with Cain.
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