Two Sons Who Grieve

No one saw what Cain did to Abel in the field that day. But God is not mocked. Nothing is hidden from Him. He sees it all. He knew what happened that dreadful day. Cain’s sin would find him out.

The Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” God knew the answer to His question. It was only meant to confront Cain in his sin. He wanted to bring it to light. “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” Cain replied. Sadly, he had no contrition, no confessing, only denial and cover up. He sounded like his father in the garden, only worse. When the truth confronted his wicked heart, evil emerged.

Cain’s words reviled the Lord. In a way, he was maliciously blaming God for the murder. When God refused to accept Cain’s offering, he was reversing the birthright of the two sons. Cain was the firstborn. By birth, he was the leader and keeper of his younger brother, Abel. But God’s denial of his offering in favor of Abel’s was a denial of his leadership in favor of Abel’s. Their roles were reversed. So Cain mourned in his pride and responded to the Lord with spite and scorn.

There was no getting past his estranged heart. So God spoke more directly: “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to me from the ground.” Innocent blood shed by the wicked cries out to the God of mercy and justice. Both sons grieved—one to his shame, the other to his justice.

Reflections

1. What did you learn about covering sin instead of confessing it? In what ways did it make things worse and disrupt the family?
2. What attribute or characteristic of God is most seen in this tragic situation? How does it make you think or feel about Him?
3. What principles can you apply from this lesson to help you make more godly decisions? Is there anything that motivates you to have greater faith in God?

A New Discipleship Resource

Creative Content for Christian Men

Watch Now

Instead of comments, I accept and encourage letters to the editor. If you want to write a letter to the editor, you can do so here.