Monday, August 22, 2011

But It’s Not Fair!

Genesis 4:13-16

“And Cain said unto the LORD, My punishment is greater than I can bear. Behold, thou hast driven me out this day from the face of the earth; and from thy face shall I be hid; and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth; and it shall come to pass, that every one that findeth me shall slay me.” (Genesis 4:13-14)

Cain had just murdered his brother. Abel would never again see a sunrise his little lambs playing. He’d never again enjoy a good meal or thrill at the sight of a beautiful view. Cain had taken that all away. Now when God declares that because of it, Cain will live in fear and be unable to have a secure home because of fear, and that his sin would prevent the earth supplying him like it did before, Cain said the punishment was too much. He would live constantly in fear of death.

Today those who have committed murder constantly complain how unfair it is that they have been deprived of their freedom and privileges for such a long time, even though they deprived someone of everything forever. For a wicked man, any punishment seems too severe. Human nature doesn’t change unless something changes it. Cain was still alive, even if he was afraid. Able wasn't.

“And the LORD said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the LORD set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him.” (Genesis 4:15)

By killing Abel, Cain implied that having his way was more important than other people’s lives. Everyone that knew of the murder knew that if he got mad he might try to kill them. By killing him they could eliminate the danger. Later God would give Israel a specific command, in Leviticus 24:17. “And he that killeth any man shall surely be put to death.” At this time. However, since Cain has already killed Abel, to kill Cain would have had serious implications for the survival of the human race. God forbade his execution, promising seven times as severe punishment as what Cain received. As both Jesus and Paul pointed out there are times when God overlooks the absolute standard due to other factors. That does not mean that the behavior is to be considered acceptable. Acts 17:30 advises, “And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:” It was only a temporary deferring of judgment.

“And Cain went out from the presence of the LORD, and dwelt in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden.” (Genesis 4:16)

Guilt caused Adam and Eve to hide from God. When they admitted their sin they could again fellowship with God. Cain was not willing to acknowledge his sin, and considered the consequences to severe. He pulled away from God and went to another area in his effort to get away. As we will see, his example was followed by his entire family.

1 comment:

  1. Hi dfish,
    I missed this post. I should have read it first. You're right,Cain's alive and his brother was dead because of him. What wonderful things Abel might have done for God and yet he was deprived of living because of his brother's jealous hatred.Just because Abel's deeds were good and he was jealous.
    But I know that God is just and will take all of that into consideration when He hand's out His rewards. Because surely He could see that Abel's heart was completely for pleasing God.

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