relationships (Genesis 4:1-24) Seek Healthy Relationships

(Genesis 4:1-24) Now the man had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain, and she said, “I have gotten a manchild with the help of the Lord.” 2 Again, she gave birth to his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of flocks, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 So it came about in the course of time that Cain brought an offering to the Lord of the fruit of the ground. 4 Abel, on his part also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and for his offering; 5 but for Cain and for his offering He had no regard. So Cain became very angry and his countenance fell. 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, will not your countenance be lifted up? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” 8 Cain told Abel his brother. And it came about when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

9 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood is crying to Me from the ground. 11 Now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you cultivate the ground, it will no longer yield its strength to you; you will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is too great to bear! 14 Behold, You have driven me this day from the face of the ground; and from Your face I will be hidden, and I will be a vagrant and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 So the Lord said to him, “Therefore whoever kills Cain, vengeance will be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord appointed a sign for Cain, so that no one finding him would slay him.
16 Then Cain went out from the presence of the Lord, and settled in the land of Nod, east of Eden.

17 Cain had relations with his wife and she conceived, and gave birth to Enoch; and he built a city, and called the name of the city Enoch, after the name of his son. 18 Now to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad became the father of Mehujael, and Mehujael became the father of Methushael, and Methushael became the father of Lamech. 19 Lamech took to himself two wives: the name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other, Zillah. 20 Adah gave birth to Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock. 21 His brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe. 22 As for Zillah, she also gave birth to Tubal-cain, the forger of all implements of bronze and iron; and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.
23 Lamech said to his wives,

     “Adah and Zillah,
     Listen to my voice,
     You wives of Lamech,
     Give heed to my speech,
     For I have killed a man for wounding me;
     And a boy for striking me;
24 If Cain is avenged sevenfold,
     Then Lamech seventy-sevenfold.”

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:

I used to feel sorry for Cain, until I gained more understanding surrounding these events of this first dysfunctional family recorded in history.  I would say that Abel was probably "a believer" as he gave an offering to the Lord which was the best of his best.  Cain, on the other hand, picked up the rotting fruit from the ground to give to the Lord;  and then Cain was offended and indignant when the Lord didn't appreciate his offering.  Cain also hated his own brother because, well, basically, they didn't believe in the same things.  

Cain had a great relationship with God, while Abel was just out for himself to do things his own way.  But because God does want to have a close relationship with everyone, God gave Cain full opportunity to see the errors in his thinking, He gave Cain a warning of what could happen, and He gave him directions on how to change his course in life.  Cain chose not to listen, which led to the first recorded murder in history.

The Lord still gave Cain an opportunity to repent, which he did not.  We also see the classic human nature show itself:  Cain murdered someone but didn't want someone to murder him.  He wanted to dish it out but not take it!  So, it's not that God actually cursed Cain, but simply warned him that the path he had chosen would not go well for him.  What you sow, you will reap.  Cain put Abel into the ground, and what did the ground yield for him?  A lack of productivity and a legacy of murder!  

Within the descendants of Cain, we now see the first polygamist marriage recorded in history.  Just because we find this in the Bible, doesn't mean it is acceptable to God.  We already know that this is not His will for anyone.  But God doesn't try to hide any details.  He lays it out with the actual facts of events.  Here it is!  This happened!  And notice, NOT a healthy situation.  In fact, Lamech used threats and fear to control his wives, like, "You two better listen to me, because I've killed before!"  As well, Lamech bragged that he was far "tougher" than Cain.  "So, look out, world!  Don't mess with me!"

Dangerous attitudes assume that they are above the law, and they can get away with anything.  When one feels like they are untouchable, they will feel like they are justified in their actions.  And the strongest ones will survive and win.  But let's not forget that God is sovereign.  He will not let the unbeliever escape punishment.  But let's also not forget, that God is still loving and desires that all come to know Him; so therefore, He gives everyone fair opportunity to decide:  reject God, or seek a healthy relationship with Him, as well as with His children?