Sunday, September 8, 2024
“And the LORD said unto Cain, Where is Abel thy brother? And he said, I know not: Am I my brother’s keeper?” (Genesis 4:9 KJV).
Let us learn the import of Cain’s reply….
By studying how the three members of the Godhead interact with each other, we can learn how our Creator designed our life to be. God the Son (Jesus Christ) glorifies, or brings praise to, God the Father: “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son” (John 14:13). Not only does God the Son glorify the Father, God the Father glorifies God the Son: “These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee:…” (John 17:1). God the Holy Ghost glorifies God the Son: “He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you” (John 16:14).
Each of the three members of the Godhead do not glorify each other. Instead, they seek the benefit, wellbeing, or profit of the other two. Selfless living is indeed God’s life—and that is exactly how Christian living works because Christian living is literally Christ living! “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification [building up]” (Romans 15:1,2). “All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient [profitable, advantageous, beneficial]: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not. Let no man seek his own, but every man another’s wealth” (1 Corinthians 10:23,24). “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others” (Philippians 2:4).
Cain, however, was sinful and selfish. Read today’s Scripture again. Not only did he not tell the truth about knowing where his brother Abel was (he knew Abel was dead!), Cain was unconcerned about Abel’s disappearance when questioned. He tried to rationalize his actions with these coldblooded words: “Am I my brother’s keeper [guardian, protector, caretaker]?” As in, “How should I know where he is? Is his vanishing any worry of mine?”
Actually, Cain was his brother’s keeper….
Saints, please remember this work of the ministry requires monthly financial support to operate (Galatians 6:6; Philippians 4:16-17; 2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Those who prefer electronic giving can donate securely here: https://www.paypal.me/ShawnBrasseaux. Anyone who wishes to donate by regular mail can visit https://333wordsofgrace.org/contact-us-mailing-address-for-donations/ for details. Thanks to all who give to and pray for us! Unfortunately, since our ministry audience is so large and our ministry staff is so small, I can no longer personally respond to everyone. Thanks so much for understanding in this regard. 🙂
333 Words of Grace 