September 20 - Pentecost

Genesis 4 - In the first part of chapter 4 we see the first brothers and the first murder. Cain and Abel bring an offering to the Lord but Abel gives in faith and sacrifice. God is pleased with Abel's offering and Cain, in his jealousy, kills his brother. If there was any doubt about the seriousness of Adam and Eve's fall, it should be dissipated. In Hebrews and in 1 John the story of Cain and Abel is dealt with. In Hebrews we see things from the perspective of Abel, who had faith in God's care. In 1 John we see things from the perspective of Cain as he is contrasted with Christ. As chapter 4 continues we see the paradox of humanity, created in God's image and using skills for development and creativity, yet fallen and increasing in depravity. To imagine the beauty of creation and culture without sin is now beyond our comprehension, but Jesus begins to change all of that.