Scripture Reading For Today:
GENESIS 4:1-5:32, 1 CHRONICLES 1:1-4, GENESIS 6:1-22
But the LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!” (Genesis 4:10 NLT)
Observation
These early chapters in Genesis contain some of the best-known—and most challenging—verses in the entire Bible. The story of history’s first fratricide—Cain’s murder of Abel—leaves at least a few questions unanswered. What was the difference between Cain’s offering and Abel’s that made Abel’s acceptable to God? (BTW, see Hebrews 11:4 for a hint.) Why did Cain “take it so hard” and resort to murder instead of simply offering unto God an acceptable sacrifice?
Either of those questions is certainly worth consideration, but my mind is captured today by a single word God uses when addressing Cain—“Listen!”
“Listen!” God says. “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground!” (v. 4)
Separate in your mind the heinous nature of Cain’s offense from the challenge of God to listen; separate the strong word of judgment that will follow God’s directive, and for the moment, simply ponder this:
Here was an experience in Cain’s past that still demanded attention in the present—a voice Cain thought he had quieted still crying out to be heard. In that context, God’s challenge to Cain was simple—“Listen!”
Perhaps Cain thought he could just brush past this significant moment as if it would carry no lasting consequence. The trouble is, sin or not, intentional or not, all sorts of moments from our past cause us to act, think, and respond in particular ways—and in ways that often bear little evidence of the presence of Christ in our lives. Especially when that happens—ideally, before that happens—the wise Christ-follower will take some time to “listen.”
I’m wondering, today, what from my past cries out for my attention. I’m wondering what from my history—not only ways I’ve acted, but ways I’ve been acted upon—still calls out to be reckoned with. I’m hardly a navel-gazing introvert—hardly a contemplative personality. But perhaps that makes it all the more important that I stop…and listen.
5 comments:
Thanks for the insight and direction because i too have wondered of the offerings these two brothers made, not knowing all of their heart attitudes but from this Cains must have been a haphazard sort of offering to the Lord as often times I do. the Listen aspect is something good to ponder for all of us. In this busy world we live in, make sometimes it gets difficult to hear. so that is a goal, vision for the New year for me.
I wondered to about why Cain didnt offer a more acceptable offering to God. I like the part about listening to God I even ask myself How do I listen to God I get cought up in everyday things that we forget to just stop and "listen" to the still voice of our savior who brings peace and love. Thanks for bring this to my attention it helps to think more about the listen part.
What about the fact that Cain had experienced first hand, God's presence in his life. He also knew of the concequences for disobedience. His own parents had shown him that. Still, when he became Jealouse of Abel, he chose an action that was in confrontation to God. And just like his parents, he hid and tried to explain with lies his decision. Maybe we should listen to what's happening around us as well as what God's saying to us.
I think that's the fascinating thing, Martin--he'd seen first-hand the consequences of rebellion, and chose it anyway! What is it that's so compelling about having things own way that we so often choose sin over what's right? "...sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but you must master it." (Gen 4:7 NIV)
"...sin is crouching at your door. It desires to have you, but you must master it." (Gen 4:7 NIV)
I love this verse! It describes exactly how sneaky sin is! Sin manifests in temptation and transitions seamlessly into actual sin. I am SO GRATEFUL that I have a Father who has a giant spotlight to guide me and correct me. What a privalige!
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