Sibling Rivalry
In the Beginning - Part 4
Sunday, September 19, 2021
Genesis 4:1-16
Time passed. Cain brought an offering to God from the produce of his farm. Abel also brought an offering, but from the firstborn animals of his herd, choice cuts of meat. God liked Abel and his offering, but Cain and his offering didn’t get his approval. Cain lost his temper and went into a sulk.
God spoke to Cain: “Why this tantrum? Why the sulking? If you do well, won’t you be accepted? And if you don’t do well, sin is lying in wait for you, ready to pounce; it’s out to get you, you’ve got to master it.”
Genesis 4:3-7 (The Message)
Listen to this week’s sermon here:
A casual glance through today’s media, especially social media, reveals something deeply troubling about our culture. Like Cain, we as a people are far too quick to lose our tempers, sulk, and throw tantrums.
How often have we lashed out or refused to listen to someone we disagree with?
How often have we felt slighted when people we see as less deserving seem to get more than us?
How often have we felt personally rejected when our work or our contribution isn’t appreciated as much as what someone else has done?
My guess is that if we’re honest, the answers to those questions are far more often than we care to admit.
When we feel like life is unfair, God’s responses to Cain offer us hope.
If you do well, won’t your offering also be accepted?
God doesn’t compare us to others.
Neither should we.Where is your brother?
We are called to care for our brothers and sisters, even when they feel like our enemies.
We must set aside revenge for reconciliation.God gives Cain a mark to protect his life.
Even in our worst failures, God extends mercy.
So should we.
Take some time this week to put yourself in the story and examen your natural responses. Here are a few questions to guide your reflection.
Do you immediately relate more to Cain or to Abel? Why?
How do you feel when you try to put yourself in the shoes of the other brother?
How do you respond when life seems unfair?