The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.” Cain spoke to Abel his brother. 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 4:6-9
Cain allowed anger to darken his door, which led him to feel dejected. Sin lies in wait, ready to pounce on us in our moment of weakness. Trying to combat sin on our own is futile. God’s assistance is absolutely vital if we are to gain mastery over sin, but it remains our responsibility.
Not even speaking with his sibling was enough to assuage Cain’s jealous rage. Instead, Cain galvanised his resolve to murder Abel. In light of this, it should hardly surprise us that Jesus equates anger with murder (Matt 5:21-22). Was Cain his brother’s keeper? The LORD’s unspoken response is a resounding yes.
Father, give us the strength to rule over sin and anger by the power of Jesus’ blood; accept us on basis that Jesus did well. May we take seriously the role You have given us: to watch over, and to care for, our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Sparks 