June 16, 1999
FAMILY BIBLE SERIES:
Q: 'Am I my brother's keeper?'
A: Yes, indeed
___Genesis 4:1-16
___By Susan Pigott
___Logsdon School of Theology, Abilene
___The story of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16) has engendered much discussion because it contains so many unanswered questions: Why was Cain's sacrifice rejected? What was the sign placed on Cain by God? Although these questions are intriguing, they are not the focus of the story. Rather, this is a story about relationships shattered by anger and denial, leaving one brother dead and the other alienated from God and his people.
___The problems began when both Cain and Abel made sacrifices to God. Abel's sacrificewas accepted, but when Cain's was not, he became angry and dejected. Aware of this, God offered Cain an opportunity to respond appropriately to his anger and pain. God told Cain if he did well his countenance would be lifted up again. But if he did not "sin was crouching at the door, its desire was for him and he must master it." Cain was given a choice either to rule over sin or let it rule over him, and his decision would affect not only him but also his relationship with his brother and with God.
___Instead of seeking out why his sacrifice was rejected and correcting the problem, Cain murdered Abel. He sacrificed his brother on the altar of his own anger and resentment and flaunted his lack of regard for God. Afterward, God questioned Cain to give him an opportunity to take responsibility for his actions, "Where is Abel your brother?" God's question underscored Abel was not just anyone; he was Cain's own flesh and blood. The word "brother" appears seven times in the narrative, six of which occur in this conversation between Cain and God. This indicates how important Cain's relationship with his brother was to his relationship with God.
___Cain's unwillingness to acknowledge his responsibility is evident in his response: "I don't know. Am I my brother's keeper?" Not only did Cain lie (he knew where Abel was), but he coldly distanced himself from his brotherly obligations. As Abel's older brother, he was, in a sense, his brother's keeper (guardian). Clearly Cain had no regard for his brother's life, and this crippled his relationship with God.
___Cain endured severe consequences for his sin (though his punishment was tempered by God's grace). Because he spilled innocent blood, on the ground Cain would be cursed from the ground and would no longer receive its fruit. Because he denied responsibility for his brother, Cain would be separated from his people.
___The story of Cain and Abel clearly demonstrates our relationships with our brothers and sisters (whether by blood or by faith) are barometers for our relationship with God. And the converse is also true: Our relationship with God will affect how we relate to others. Cain's failure was not in his unacceptable sacrifice but in his relationships. His inability to love his brother reflected his inability to love God. Are we our brothers' and sisters' keepers? If we claim to love God, then our answer must be "yes."
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