And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Then the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother’s keeper? Genesis 4:8-9
The story of Cain and Abel is sometimes called histories first murder mystery. It’s terrible to think that we’re only four chapters into the Bible and humans are already killing one another. And these two guys are not even strangers. It’s not like Abel was threatening Cain or they were in some kind of struggle. This was violent, premeditated, first-degree murder.
However, matters of life and death are not always so straightforward. Many hot-button issues in our churches circle around life and death: capital punishment, war, abortion. Christians are all over the map on what ‘supporting life’ means with regard to these issues. The story of Cain and Abel introduces us to the challenges of death and life, grace and judgement.
And just why did Cain decide to kill Abel in the first place? Well, God liked Abel’s sacrifice better than Cain’s sacrifice, and Cain thought that was unfair. The truth is, a lot of things in life are unfair. Other people may go about with more power, prestige, or popularity than you. They may have more money, better clothes, more athletic ability. These “better” people might even be in your own family. The truth is that life is unfair, and the temptation to give into jealousy can be overwhelming.
We are the spiritual children of Adam and Eve, who disobeyed God out of pride. We are also the spiritual children of Cain, bent on causing destruction out of selfishness. We may think of ourselves as above the sins of Cain because we have never resorted to violence. However, Jesus calls his disciples to a higher morality. Anyone who hates a brother or sister has already murdered them in their heart.
There is a hint of life in this story of death. After God confronts Cain about the murder, he does not put Cain to death. There is no capital punishment for the first murderer. Cain is allowed to live in exile. There is so much violence in this world, both in our hearts and in the streets. How can you be an advocate for life in the face of death?
Kena Hawkins Newkirk 