< Go Back

Lessons For The 21^st Century From OT Saints and Sinners
The Farmer Who Murdered His Brother
Genesis 4:1-15

Introduction: Nothing Like A Good Whodunit

There’s nothing like a good whodunit to read on a lazy summer day. The story line is always pretty much the same with a wealthy person found dead and the sly sleuth of an investigator being called in to investigate the crime. At first the trail of evidence seems next to impossible, but with only one slim lead he hounds the perpetrator to the closing pages of the book. Finally, with a dramatic flourish, the culprit is apprehended and another case is solved.

In real life murder is far less entertaining. Almost every day we hear about another senseless killing. We shake our heads in disbelief, wondering what is happening to our world. Odds are good that murder will headline tonight’s news. That means that right now someone is plotting how to pull it off. Isn’t that a soothing thought?

The one word that describes murder and its effects is tragedy. It’s tragic for the victim. It’s tragic for the victim’s family and friends who are grieving. It’s even tragic to consider the fate of the murderer as neighbors tell how he was a nice, pleasant guy who always kept to himself and never caused anyone trouble. Murder is a tragedy—and such tragedies have been a part of the human experience for a long time.

Tragedy: A Repeated Theme In Scripture

Through the centuries of time covered by the pages of Scripture we witness the tight grip of the fingers of tragedy in many terrible events besides murder.

·                     The Flood killed all but 8 people out of the population of the world

·                     The judgment that rained down on Sodom and Gomorrah killed all but three of its residents

·                     The plague of death leading to the Exodus of Israel touched every family in Egypt

·                     The wilderness wandering resulted in an entire generation dying

Many times people were responsible for the tragedies—often including murder.

·                     Pharaoh and, later, Herod ordered the mass execution of male babies

·                     Moses murdered an Egyptian taskmaster

·                     Joab, David’s general, murdered Absolom, one of David’s sons

Realizing the murderous streak that rages in our hearts God moved to counter that streak in the Ten Commandments when He ordered, “You shall not murder.” (Exodus 20:13) He understands how we are driven by our sinful hearts. We sin because we are sinners at heart. We murder because we are murderers at heart. Whether or not we actually kill someone we all have the capacity to kill when our inner, sinful beast is provoked.

The beast emerged very early in human history. It wasn’t long after the sinful rebellion in the Garden of Eden was followed by the first murder.

Sin Produces The World’s First Homicide

Some first things can be very special. A baby’s first step or first word is reason for celebration. The first time your precious child lies to you or shouts, “I hate you,” in anger is not. In the beginning Adam and Eve enjoyed life without any of the devastating consequences of sin. When they disobeyed God all innocence was lost. From that day, like a river polluted at its headwaters, the human race has suffered the consequences of sin.

The Background Investigation

When a murder occurs one of the first actions taken by the detectives is doing a background investigation. Adam and Eve’s family begins like any other family with the joyful arrival of their firstborn, Cain. Another brother named Abel follows. We don’t know much about the two boys except that Cain becomes a farmer and Abel a shepherd. The time comes when the young men are to offer their own sacrifice to God.

When they grew up, Abel became a shepherd, while Cain cultivated the ground. When it was time for the harvest, Cain presented some of his crops as a gift to the LORD. Abel also brought a gift—the best of the firstborn lambs from his flock. The LORD accepted Abel and his gift, but he did not accept Cain and his gift.                                                                                                             Genesis 4:3-5a (NLT)

God accepts Abel’s offering and rejects Cain’s. Why? Cain disregarded the way that had been given to approach God. Both boys were likely instructed by their parents that a sacrifice requiring the shedding of blood was needed to atone for sin. After Adam and Eve sinned, they tried to use fig leafs to cover their bodies. God provided the skins of animals to cover them. In doing so, God performed the first sacrifice for sin—a sacrifice that one day culminated in the death of Jesus. Therefore, in bringing a grain offering Cain tried to short-cut God’s path. Abel, however, follows God’s instructions. He takes his best sheep to sacrifice. For these reasons, God accepted Abel’s gift but disregarded Cain’s.

The writer of Hebrews provides us with understanding about Abel’s righteousness.

It was by faith that Abel brought a more acceptable offering to God than Cain did. Abel’s offering gave evidence that he was a righteous man, and God showed his approval of his gifts. Although Abel is long dead, he still speaks to us by his example of faith.

                                                                                                Hebrews 11:4 NLT

John provides insight in his first epistle into the root of Cain’s unrighteousness.

This is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother's were righteous.

                                                                                                1 John 3:11-12 NIV

Cain may have been sincere, but he was sincerely wrong because he was unwilling to bring his offering in the way God said would please Him. His actions were evil.

Cain’s example warns us that we have to come to God on His terms. God will not conform to our ideas of righteousness. We must always conform to His. We, too, can be sincere as we offer our best deeds with the best of intentions, but if we come to God apart from trusting in Christ and His sacrifice, God will have no regard for our efforts.

When God rejects Cain’s offering, the sin hidden in his heart surfaces.

This made Cain so angry that he could not hide his feelings.

                                                                                                Genesis 4:5b CEV

Cain’s emotions show on his face. He tightens with rage, seething inside. God, demonstrating His loving concern, pulls Cain aide like a good parent would do for a little talk.

A Divine Warning

“Why are you so angry?” the Lord asked Cain. “Why do you look so dejected?                                                                                                                                                         Genesis 4:6 NLT

God gives Cain a chance to examine his own heart and see what is happening to him. God already knew that Cain was captured in an all-out jealous pout. Like a child who is upset because his brother or sister receives a special favor, Cain sulks. God tries to help him.

You will be accepted if you do what is right.                        

                                                                                                       Genesis 4:7a NLT

God says, “Do what is right.” Notice that He doesn’t say, “Do your best,” or “Try real hard.” God reminds Cain that he is responsible for his actions. He can’t blame anyone else for bringing a faulty offering. All Cain has to do is do what is right by going and bringing back the proper offering. That’s it. If he obeys, he will be accepted and his gray skies of despair will turn into bright skies of blessing. Cain’s example reminds us that obedience to God lifts our spirits and gives us inner contentment while disobedience grinds us down, leaving us bitter and hateful. It’s our choice which way it will be. We can obey or we can disobey.

God gives Cain a stern warning about the consequences of following the inclinations of his jealous attitude.

But if you refuse to do what is right, then watch out! Sin is crouching at the door, eager to control you. But you must subdue it and be its master.”   

                                                                                                           Genesis 4:7b NLT

Sin is crouching, waiting to sink its poisonous fangs into Cain. God warns Cain about how vulnerable he is. He can continue down his current path that leads to hatred, murder and destruction; or he can turn back by obeying God and tame his inner beast. The choice is his: master or be mastered. The apostle Paul explains it well.

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil.                         

                                                                                                   Ephesians 4:26-27 NLT

Just like Cain, you and I must deal with anger quickly or we open the door for the devil. His favorite tools to destroy people and relationships are the anger and grudges to which we cling. He will use them to dig up resentment, rage and a desire to kill—emotionally if not physically.

The Murderous Act

Cain hears God’s warning, but he doesn’t listen and jealousy produces its bitter fruit.

One day Cain suggested to his brother, “Let’s go out into the fields.” And while they were in the field, Cain attacked his brother, Abel, and killed him.

                                                                                                             Genesis 4:8 NLT

Cain acts in defiance against God. He twists God’s requirement for an atoning blood sacrifice and sheds Abel’s righteous blood instead of the blood of a lamb. It’s as though he shouts at God, “You want a blood sacrifice. How’s this one?” Abel dies and becomes the first name on history’s list of murder victims.

We cringe in horror and think, “I would never do something like that. I couldn’t do something like that!” If we are honest, many of us would have to confess to God our own lists of people we have brutally and coldheartedly assassinated with our words or attitudes.

The Criminal Trial

Cain’s premeditated act of murder has occurred. It takes only a few minutes. As Abel exhales his final breath, what is Cain thinking? Is he haunted by the silence? We don’t know because the silence doesn’t last long. God again enters the scene with a penetrating question.

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

                                                                                                Genesis 4:9a NIV

God once again poses a question framed in His grace. He gives Cain still another chance to come clean. I’m not sure if Cain’s reply is offered with a tone of feigned ignorance or impudent rebellion but there is not even a hint of remorse in his answer.

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

                                                                                                            Genesis 4:9b NIV

Like the star attorney in this gripping tale, God zeroes in on the facts.

The LORD said, “What have you done? Listen! Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground.”                                                                            Genesis 4:10 NIV

Cain foolishly thinks that he can somehow hide his sin from God. The problem is: Secret sin on earth is open scandal in heaven. With Abel’s blood as Exhibit A, God presents all the proof that is needed to convict Cain of murder in the first degree. All that is left is for Cain to be sentenced.

The Just Punishment

Since Abel’s blood had been spilled on the ground, that ground which was Cain’s means of livelihood, would contain the just punishment to fit the crime.

Now you are cursed and banished from the ground, which has swallowed your brother’s blood. No longer will the ground yield good crops for you, no matter how hard you work! From now on you will be a homeless wanderer on the earth.                   

                                                                                                    Genesis 4:11-12 NLT

As the severity of the sentence sinks in, Cain finally is ready to deal with God. The problem, however, is that his concern is only about himself.

Cain replied to the Lord, “My punishment is too great for me to bear! You have banished me from the land and from your presence; you have made me a homeless wanderer. Anyone who finds me will kill me!”                                                                                                                    Genesis 4:13-14 NLT

This is an ironic twist. Cain, the murderer, is afraid because he realizes he could very well be murdered. The hunter has become the hunted. As I read the story, I want to tell him, “Hey, buddy, you’re only getting what you deserve!” But God, our gracious God, shows mercy.

"No!" the LORD answered. "Anyone who kills you will be punished seven times worse than I am punishing you." So the LORD put a mark on Cain to warn everyone not to kill him.

                                                                                                Genesis 4:15 CEV

Whatever the mark is that God placed on Cain, it isn’t a curse but a blessing. It protects Cain by sparing him from the same bloody fate suffered by his brother. And so Cain, whose name means “received from the Lord,” no longer knows the blessing of God’s presence. He is sentenced to wander aimlessly because of jealousy that he allowed to erupt in murder. His story certainly is a tragedy.

Lessons To Help Us Master Sin In Our Lives

During this summer series we will be learning some lessons to help us as we live in the 21^st century. The lessons will be taught by Old Testament saints and sinners. Let’s look first at the lessons learned from the saint in this account, Abel, about our relationship with God.

Lessons From Abel

1^st Lesson: Obeying God Won’t Automatically Protect You From Evil

We often struggle when the breaks of life don’t go our way. We demonstrate we are vulnerable to at least portions of what is often called the prosperity gospel, which tries to assure us we will receive blessings when we honor God. Our mistake lies in our view of the blessings. We interpret blessings as a life of wealth and ease. The Bible doesn’t teach that; and the experience of the rest of the world doesn’t support that view. Down through the years many of those who have honored God with wholehearted devotion have been called upon to suffer for being a follower of Christ.

2^nd Lesson: Obeying God Is The Blessing

We don’t obey God to receive something from Him. We obey God because we love Him. Jesus told His disciples,

If you love me, you will obey what I command.                     John 14:14 NIV

God has done more for us than we deserve by sending Jesus to die for us. We should never presume upon Him by expecting Him to bless us with blessings that meet our desires.

Lessons From Cain

There are also some significant lessons we need to learn from Cain about how to master sin in our lives.

1^st Lesson: God’s Way Is The Only Acceptable Way

Cain was the first in a long line of people who tried to create their own way to God. None of these self-devised ways lead to life. They lead to death.

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death.

                                                                                                Proverbs 14:12 NLT

What Cain determined to be the right way ended in death for Abel. Only one way leads to life. God showed us that way through Jesus who told His disciples,

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

                                                                                                John 14:6 NIV

Our part is to believe God and take the way He has provided.

2^nd Lesson: Jealousy Is A Sin That Cannot Be Hidden And Must Not Be Tolerated

If allowed to fester below the surface, jealousy produces resentment, bitterness and finally, destruction. Therefore, if we’re going to survive, we must release it. Whatever it is that causes you to be jealous, let it go!

3^rd Lesson: When Anger Is Ignored, It Never Corrects Itself

Like a flat tire, some things demand immediate attention. They don’t fix themselves. Anger is certainly one of them. If left alone, anger will only worsen. The lesson we learn from Cain is to deal with your anger right away. Where should you start? Confess it. That’s what Cain refused to do.

Conclusion: In The End—Sin Will Bite You

One day an eagle swooped to the ground, catching a weasel in its powerful talons. But, as it flew away, its wings went inexplicably limp and it dropped to the ground like a lifeless doll. As it turned out, the weasel had bitten its attacker in mid-flight, killing the proud eagle as it flew.

When we cling to an attitude of anger or jealousy, it will, like the weasel, sink its teeth into us when we least expect it. We are wise to heed God’s Word to Cain when sin was at his door, “You must master it.” We do that only by obediently releasing the sin and soaring again on the wings of righteousness.