January 5, 2023

You Actually Are Your Brother's Keeper

Genesis 4

Scot Buchanan
Thursday's Devo

January 5, 2023

Thursday's Devo

January 5, 2023

Thursday's Devo

January 5, 2023

Thursday's Devo

January 5, 2023

Big Idea

We can trust God when we don’t know how things will turn out.

Key Verse | Genesis 4:7

"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."

Genesis 4

Cain and Abel

1 Now Adam knew Eve his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, saying, “I have gotten 1 4:1 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for gotten a man with the help of the LORD.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. Now Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain a worker of the ground. 3 In the course of time Cain brought to the LORD an offering of the fruit of the ground, 4 and Abel also brought of the firstborn of his flock and of their fat portions. And the LORD had regard for Abel and his offering, 5 but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his face fell. 6 The LORD said to Cain, “Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? 2 4:7 Hebrew will there not be a lifting up [of your face]? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to 3 4:7 Or is toward you, but you must rule over it.”

8 Cain spoke to Abel his brother. 4 4:8 Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add Let us go out to the field And when they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. 9 Then the LORD said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” He said, “I do not know; am I my brother's keeper?” 10 And the LORD said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother's blood is crying to me from the ground. 11 And now you are cursed from the ground, which has opened its mouth to receive your brother's blood from your hand. 12 When you work the ground, it shall no longer yield to you its strength. You shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth.” 13 Cain said to the LORD, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 5 4:13 Or My guilt is too great to bear 14 Behold, you have driven me today away from the ground, and from your face I shall be hidden. I shall be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth, and whoever finds me will kill me.” 15 Then the LORD said to him, “Not so! If anyone kills Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the LORD put a mark on Cain, lest any who found him should attack him. 16 Then Cain went away from the presence of the LORD and settled in the land of Nod, 6 4:16 Nod means wandering east of Eden.

17 Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. When he built a city, he called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 To Enoch was born Irad, and Irad fathered Mehujael, and Mehujael fathered Methushael, and Methushael fathered Lamech. 19 And Lamech took two wives. The name of the one was Adah, and the name of the other Zillah. 20 Adah bore 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 Zillah also bore Tubal-cain; he was the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron. The sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah.

23 Lamech said to his wives:

“Adah and Zillah, hear my voice;
    you wives of Lamech, listen to what I say:
I have killed a man for wounding me,
    a young man for striking me.
24  If Cain's revenge is sevenfold,
    then Lamech's is seventy-sevenfold.”

25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth, for she said, “God has appointed 7 4:25 Seth sounds like the Hebrew for he appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” 26 To Seth also a son was born, and he called his name Enosh. At that time people began to call upon the name of the LORD.

Footnotes

[1] 4:1 Cain sounds like the Hebrew for gotten
[2] 4:7 Hebrew will there not be a lifting up [of your face]?
[3] 4:7 Or is toward
[4] 4:8 Hebrew; Samaritan, Septuagint, Syriac, Vulgate add Let us go out to the field
[5] 4:13 Or My guilt is too great to bear
[6] 4:16 Nod means wandering
[7] 4:25 Seth sounds like the Hebrew for he appointed

S2:004 Genesis 4

Listen Now

Dive Deeper | Genesis 4

Genesis 4 makes it clear that humankind has a deeply rooted self-desire:

  1. Adam and Eve have been banished from the garden (Genesis 3:23). They find comfort in each other and start a family with two sons. 
  2. Eve claims to bring forth a man with the help of the LORD (Genesis 4:1). Shouldn't that be the other way around? Adam is passive. 

By all appearances, the first family is headed in the wrong direction—one of selfish will, pride, ungratefulness, and role confusion. The text quickly moves to describing the two brothers based on what they do—Abel as one who shepherds flocks of sheep, and Cain as one who tills the soil. They are described by what they do, not who they are.

The scene opens with acts of worship to the LORD that come from offerings produced by their work. There's a big, big difference in the heart behind these two offerings, and the LORD knows it. Clearly, Cain knows he's holding back his best from the LORD, and he pouts as "his face fell." This is where the story gets personal: God questions Cain. "Why are you angry?" God, in His kindness, gives Cain a way out: "If you do well, will you not be accepted?" If not, "[s]in is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it."

And what does Cain do?

Cain devises his own plan of self-will, pride, shame, and anger by taking matters into his own hands. He kills Abel. Then God asks Cain a second question: "Where is Abel your brother?" as another opportunity for Cain to be honest. But again, Cain's self-will, pride, and arrogance now question God's sovereignty: "[A]m I my brother's keeper?" 

Game over. Cain knows the answer, and so do we. Only God's people can care and keep our brothers. God is looking to us to be the people who reflect the patience, goodness, kindness, and gentleness the Holy Spirit has given us (Galatians 5:22-25). Let's start with the one next to me, to you, to us. It will please our Father in heaven when He sees His children caring for His family.

This month's memory verse

We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

– John 1:45b

Discussion Questions

1. Throughout this text, where do you see God's attributes? Make a list of them.

2. Through this text, where do you see man's attributes? Write them down.

3. What are the similarities you see in Cain when you fall short?

4. How have you seen Jesus fill in the failings when you fall short?

5. Write a summary—in three sentences or less—of how you can be your "brother's keeper."

As we gear up to release even more features for Join The Journey in 2025, our staff team, unfortunately, no longer has the margin to continue to support the comment functionality. We have big things in store for Join The Journey 2025. Stay tuned!

HS

Hugh Stephenson

GM Scott! Great to see you on The Journey today!! I’m very thankful for all the ways you serve and bless us! ----------------------------------------- Q5. -Ask questions as I seek to understand. -Admonish with love and kindness as I remind them of who God is and who they are. -Clearly state the consequences of the bad decision. ------- Lie # 3- Sin is not a big deal. Constable notes that Chapter 3 shows the root of sin and chapter 4 shows the fruit of sin, (https://planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/pdf/genesis.pdf). Also, this text conveys several firsts, none of them good. Cain has the first opportunity in sin to practice the Biblical model of confession, repentance, forgiveness, and amends. He declines. And is even defiant! (Genesis 4:6-9). The first murder, (Genesis 4:8) The first martyr, (Genesis 4:8) The first bigamist, (Genesis 4:19). Ask Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Eli, David, Solomon etc etc how bigamy worked out.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Even so, many have claimed that this is the “best of all possible worlds”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_of_all_possible_worlds The Fall in chapter 3 and the rebellions in chapter 4 teach me that the opposite is true. After the fall there is a progressive, if zig zag, decline all the way to Revelation 21. So, God’s counsel in Genesis 4:7 rings in my ears and puts me on constant alert. Please read these verses- (1 Peter 5:8, Numbers 32:23, James 1:14-15, Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 6:7, Hosea 8:7). Please read this short article at Got Questions, https://www.gotquestions.org/be-sure-your-sin-will-find-you-out.html What is also evident to me is that Cain was a dead-believing-box-checker, (it takes one to know one). Offer a little grain rather than my “first fruits” as Abel had done. I’m convicted of this sin. The Holy Spirit has led me to a way better place in trusting God’s material provision.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

I take hope that God’s grace is still available to Cain, his descendants and to me. -The mark God puts on Cain protects him. -God gives Cain a place to go, a family and a way to provide for himself and family. The birth of Seth gives new hope. The notes indicate his name means “substitute”. Lastly, this note gives me clear direction on how to live my life- “Simplicity of life and devotion to God characterized the Sethites, generally speaking. The Cainites, in contrast, became more aggressive and determined to find happiness and fulfillment in their lives apart from God (cf. Luke 16:8).” BP on Genesis et al. Much, much more at bibleproject.com https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/tree-of-life/ https://bibleproject.com/podcast/gods-spirit-creation/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/category/creation-series/
HS

Hugh Stephenson

GM Scott! Great to see you on The Journey today!! I’m very thankful for all the ways you serve and bless us! ----------------------------------------- Q5. -Ask questions as I seek to understand. -Admonish with love and kindness as I remind them of who God is and who they are. -Clearly state the consequences of the bad decision. ------- Lie # 3- Sin is not a big deal. Constable notes that Chapter 3 shows the root of sin and chapter 4 shows the fruit of sin, (https://planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/pdf/genesis.pdf). Also, this text conveys several firsts, none of them good. Cain has the first opportunity in sin to practice the Biblical model of confession, repentance, forgiveness, and amends. He declines. And is even defiant! (Genesis 4:6-9). The first murder, (Genesis 4:8) The first martyr, (Genesis 4:8) The first bigamist, (Genesis 4:19). Ask Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Eli, David, Solomon etc etc how bigamy worked out.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

Even so, many have claimed that this is the “best of all possible worlds”. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best_of_all_possible_worlds The Fall in chapter 3 and the rebellions in chapter 4 teach me that the opposite is true. After the fall there is a progressive, if zig zag, decline all the way to Revelation 21. So, God’s counsel in Genesis 4:7 rings in my ears and puts me on constant alert. Please read these verses- (1 Peter 5:8, Numbers 32:23, James 1:14-15, Romans 7:14-25, Galatians 6:7, Hosea 8:7). Please read this short article at Got Questions, https://www.gotquestions.org/be-sure-your-sin-will-find-you-out.html What is also evident to me is that Cain was a dead-believing-box-checker, (it takes one to know one). Offer a little grain rather than my “first fruits” as Abel had done. I’m convicted of this sin. The Holy Spirit has led me to a way better place in trusting God’s material provision.
HS

Hugh Stephenson

I take hope that God’s grace is still available to Cain, his descendants and to me. -The mark God puts on Cain protects him. -God gives Cain a place to go, a family and a way to provide for himself and family. The birth of Seth gives new hope. The notes indicate his name means “substitute”. Lastly, this note gives me clear direction on how to live my life- “Simplicity of life and devotion to God characterized the Sethites, generally speaking. The Cainites, in contrast, became more aggressive and determined to find happiness and fulfillment in their lives apart from God (cf. Luke 16:8).” BP on Genesis et al. Much, much more at bibleproject.com https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/genesis-1-11/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/tree-of-life/ https://bibleproject.com/podcast/gods-spirit-creation/ https://bibleproject.com/explore/category/creation-series/
SB

Sue Bohlin

Thanks so much, Scot! When I read this from Cain, "My punishment is greater than I can bear!" I saw the first "That's not FAAAAAAAIR!' that any parent can easily recognize even though we didn't teach it to our kids. Related to "That's not fair!" is another cry of the heart, "God, You had no right!" We might not say those words outright, but that's what's behind the offended feeling that God has done us wrong when He a broken world to affect our lives or consequences for our own sin . And both of those cries of offense are rooted in the lies of the enemy that we see in Chapter 3--that God is not good, His word can't be trusted, and sin is no big deal.
CL

Chris Landry

Thank you, Scott. I’m grateful that Watermark introduced me to the concept of being known loved and accepted through committed friendships (ie: Community Groups). This is my concept of Brother’s Keeper. I didn’t have this until I was about 28yrs old. As a believer moving to Dallas, I was divorced, insecure, self-righteous, and lustful. As a single adult male I found identity in female relationships, not godly men relationships. That changed when I started coming to The Porch. Being surrounded by other “Brother’s Keepers” I begrudgingly realized that I needed godly men that could know me, accept me, and grow me. Ultimately they were God’s provision FOR me. An example of His knowing me, accepting me, and growing me. These were my first “brother’s keepers”. Even having grown up in church pews most of my life, this was a new concept that the Lord has used (and continues to use) these last 13yrs. Now I’m married for 7.5yrs with two sons and I get a chance to model “Brothers Keeper” for them and my sweet wife “keeps” me, too. Not to mention the Community Group we have been in for 7.5yrs!!! Grateful.
MS

Michael Scaman

Cain was vengeful. Lamech 10x vengeful. Not an upward trajectory. Cain had no remorse for his sin and no concern for God's glory or being in fellowship with God. All his actions were self turned and even vengeance instead of repentance. His sin was serious but still we know "The blood of Jesus speaks better than the blood of Able" that condemned Cain and there is forgiveness in Christ. Strange thing in Genesis. The 'not chosen' have their genealogies listed first. So we see Cain described before Able and Ishmael before Issac. God will flip the script of the oldest being chosen. God's choice will stand although it may be unlikely. and not the physical first born ever in Genesis. (Weird that the Bible throws in a woman in the genealogy. Rare and unusual. "The sister of the skilled Tubal-cain was Naamah." according to some traditions like the Jewish midrash she married Noah bringing many skills with but it is not confirmed in scripture. )
AB

Alan Beam

4:1 Did she think Cain was the promised offspring who would save them from sin and death? 4:7 The scene where Rabadash is warned by Aslan before being turned into a donkey is so vivid here. ("Take heed. Your doom is very near, but you may still avoid it." And later, "The doom is nearer now; it is at the door; it has lifted the latch.") God is warning Cain, giving him an opportunity to recognize the fork in the road he has encountered, guiding him toward peace and reconciliation. Every time I choose to sin, this warning is before me. Sin is always crouching at my door, and if I let it, it will rule over me. 4:8 Cain was not the promised offspring. He sinned, just like Adam and Eve did. And so would Seth, Noah, Abraham, David, and Solomon. Everyone who looked like maybe they might be this promised offspring would turn out to be another sinner, failing to rule over sin but having it rule over them instead. But God was faithful to His promise, and came down to fulfill this one Himself.
AL

Amy Lowther

1. Examples of God’s Attributes: -compassionate-(After not accepting Cain’s offering): The Lord asked Cain why he was angry and encouraged him not to get too angry because sin might find him. -Powerful-(After Cain killed Abel): The Lord let Cain know he would no longer experience success when he worked the fields. The Lord also let Cain know that from then on, he would be a fugitive and a wanderer on the earth. -Spare the guilty-Cain thought as a wandering fugitive he would be killed, but the Lord informed him vengeance would overtake the person who attempts to kill him sevenfold. 2. Examples of Man’s Attributes: -lives purposefully-Abel was a keeper of sheep, and Cain was a worker of the ground. -integrity-Abel brought his first born of his flock and their fat portions to the Lord as an offering. -willing to sacrifice-Cain killed his brother Abel. 3. Similar to Cain falling short, when I fall short, I may feel disappointed or feel angry. 4. Jesus can redirect you from falling short in an experience to seeing and achieving the positive side of the experience. 5. How it’s possible to be “brother’s keeper”: -Listen to needs and preferences. -Respond unselfishly to needs and necessities. -Care all the time every time you can.